The M's prospect made his highly-anticipated debut and was exactly as advertised on Tuesday night.
Coming off a heartbreaking 9-8 loss on Monday night, the energy provided by rookie prospect Lazaro Montes was exactly what the Seattle Mariners needed on Tuesday night as they rebounded to beat the Boston Red Sox 9-6 at Fenway Park.
The Mariners got out to a 9-1 lead and once again had to play bullpen roulette in the later innings, with Andres Munoz inexplicably having to come in for the second consecutive day, but they did ultimately get a much-needed win to move to 65-74 with 23 games to play.
As of this posting, the Mariners are 5.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West. Despite the deficit in the standings, the Mariners do have the easiest schedule remaining in baseball, especially after Wednesday's series finale with the Red Sox.
So, you're telling me there's a chance.
Randy Arozarena, coming of a four-hit and four-RBI night on Monday, had another big day for the Mariners, hitting a three-run home run, and Montes went 2-for-4 with his first major league home run and his first two major league RBIs. He also walked and struck out.
Essentially, Montes came as advertised. He had 38 home runs in the minor leagues, but was also known for his plate discipline and swing-and-miss tendencies. He is a "three true outcomes" hitter, and he did all of that in this one. He also made some unique team history.
As noted by Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Montes is the first Mariners player with multiple hits in his debut since Ichiro in 2001. He is the third Mariners player in franchise history with multiple hits and multiple RBIs.
Mariners PR also noted that he's the sixth M's player ever to reach base three or more times in his MLB debut. He's the first player to accomplish the feat since Bucky Jacobsen in 2004.
Up next
The Mariners and Red Sox will finish out their series on Wednesday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. PT. Emerson Hancock's spot in the rotation is up for the Mariners, but he was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday because of an adductor strain.
Manager Dan Wilson said on Sunday afternoon that Bryce Miller, who was moved to the bullpen last Friday, is likely to make that start. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval will start for the Red Sox.
The Mariners will fly back home to Seattle after the game for a four-game weekend series against the Athletics.
Of note
The most recent edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast is out. You can listen here, or you can watch in the YouTube player below.
