Right-handed pitcher Logan Gilbert will look to extend his strong form as the Seattle Mariners seek to secure a series victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday in Anaheim, California. Gilbert’s recent performances have been among his best this season, setting the stage for an important finale in the Mariners’ quest to gain the edge in this matchup.
Gilbert’s Recent Form Boosts Mariners’ Confidence
Gilbert, who was named a 2024 All-Star after leading the majors with 208 2/3 innings pitched, is returning to form after missing seven weeks due to a right elbow flexor strain. Now with a 3-3 record and a 3.07 ERA this season, Gilbert has made seven starts since his injury, including two recent outings that Seattle won. Over those games, he allowed only eight hits and no earned runs across 11 2/3 innings while striking out 19 batters.
His latest start was particularly impressive, as he limited the Milwaukee Brewers to two hits and struck out 10 over 6 1/3 innings during a 1-0 Mariners win on Tuesday. Gilbert effectively outpitched Brewers’ hard-throwing All-Star Jacob Misiorowski in that contest, reinforcing his standing as a key figure for Seattle.
“I think this was probably the best we’ve seen him this year, just the way he attacked, the stuff that he had, well in control of that ballgame,
Mariners manager Dan Wilson said.
All around, it was just a great ballgame by him.
I think it’s huge for him.
Gilbert holds a 4-3 record with a 3.63 ERA in 10 career starts against the Angels and has been especially effective at Anaheim Stadium, compiling a 4-1 record with a 4.10 ERA in seven starts there.
Mariners Leading the Series with Strong Offensive Support
The Mariners have gained the upper hand in the series, winning two of the first three games. Their latest victory on Saturday night was propelled by catcher Cal Raleigh, who hit his 40th home run of the major league season, breaking a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning. Alongside Raleigh, outfielder Julio Rodriguez continued his hot streak, homering for the fourth time in just three games.
Raleigh’s milestone is historic; he became the first catcher and switch-hitter in major league history to reach 40 homers before July’s end. Additionally, he joined an elite group as the seventh catcher to hit 40 home runs in a season, joining greats such as Johnny Bench, Mike Piazza, Roy Campanella, Todd Hundley, Javy Lopez, and Salvador Perez.
“It’s a cool milestone to hit and I’m very thankful for it,
Raleigh said.
A cool moment for sure. I think back to when I got 30, that was cool, and 40 is definitely very cool as well. I’m not trying to downplay it, but glad we got the win tonight. I’ll look back one day and it’ll be a cool moment.
“The season and the numbers he’s put up is pretty staggering,
Wilson noted.
This is just another one of those notches on his belt.
Meanwhile, Julio Rodriguez has homered in three straight games for the second time this month. Randy Arozarena added his 12th homer in 22 games and has maintained a remarkable pace, boasting 20 home runs in a season for five consecutive years.
Angels Turn to Kyle Hendricks to Salvage Series Split
On the opposing side, right-hander Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for the Los Angeles Angels, aiming to help them avoid a series loss. Hendricks holds a 5-7 record with a 4.92 ERA this season and has faced Seattle twice in his career, winning once with a 3.75 ERA.
That previous victory occurred in early June at Angel Stadium, where he allowed four runs over six innings. However, the Angels have struggled recently, dropping five of their last six games. One bright spot has been Taylor Ward, who hit his 24th home run in the second inning of Saturday’s game to briefly give Los Angeles the lead.
Angels Face Injury Concerns Heading into Finale
Compounding their challenges, Los Angeles activated several injured players on the sidelines before Saturday’s game, including Chris Taylor (hand) and Jorge Soler (back). Third baseman Yoan Moncada also left Saturday’s game after being hit on the right hand by a 96.4 mph fastball from Mariners pitcher George Kirby. Thankfully, x-rays for Moncada came back negative, ruling out any fractures, though he remains day-to-day.
“I thought at first that I had broken a broken (pinky) finger because it was numb,
Moncada said.
Interim manager Ray Montgomery commented on Moncada’s status, saying,
“Definitely dodged a bullet there. X-rays were negative. … He’s sore. We’ll see how it goes.”
Implications of Sunday’s Game for Mariners
As Logan Gilbert takes the mound for the Mariners, his performance could be decisive in clinching the series against a struggling Angels team managing injuries and setbacks. Seattle’s strong pitching and powerful offense, highlighted by Raleigh’s historic home run pace and Rodriguez’s recent surge, have positioned them well for this pivotal matchup. For the Mariners, this game is an opportunity to solidify momentum as the season continues, while the Angels aim to rebound amid adversity. Gilbert’s ability to maintain his recent dominance may prove critical in determining which team leaves Anaheim with the series victory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What religion is Logan Gilbert?
A. Gilbert and Aviles Gilbert tied the knot in November 2022. They own a pet dog. Gilbert’s parents are Keith and Noel Gilbert, and he has a brother named Tyler. He follows the Christian faith.
Q. What is Logan Gilbert’s alter ego?
A. On the days Gilbert pitches, he uses an alter ego named “Walter.” He mentioned this name began as a college joke. “Walter” represents his heightened focus and competitiveness while pitching.