Gordon’s Defense Saves Mariners Late, Seattle Beats KC 6-3

The slugging Seattle Mariners only hit one home run, but they played good small ball in the game. A two-run fourth and two-run seventh inning gave the M’s a 6-2 lead. Kansas City put a run on in the seventh, but it didn’t matter. The Mariners did need some help in the eighth inning, but Dee Gordon’s defense saved the day. Mariners now 11-2 after the 6-3 victory.

After two quick outs, Mariners right fielder, Jay Bruce, smacked a ball to left field and out of Kauffman Stadium. 1-0 M’s in the first inning.

Unfortunately, in the bottom of the first, Marco Gonzales gave it right back after a triple from Whit Merrifield and an infield single legged-out by Adalberto Mondesi. Tied 1-1 through one.

Both Seattle and Kansas City couldn’t push a run across in the second inning. In the third, Bruce continued to be the only offense for the Mariners. 2-1 M’s Top 3rd.

Do you know how fast Billy Hamilton is? The Mariners do now. The speedy center fielder stood at second base when Mondesi smashed a ball to deep center field. Mallex Smith caught the ball, but lost his balance. Hamilton tagged from SECOND and scored. Don’t believe me? Listen for yourself. 2-2 through three.

The Mariners came to bat in the fourth ready to score some runs. Ryon Healy and Omar Narvaez reached ahead of Dee Gordon who was able to plate both his teammates. M’s led 4-2.

Both teams held scoreless from the bottom of the fourth through the sixth inning. Edwin Encarnacion hit two home runs in the same inning last night, making Aaron Goldsmith roar. Tonight, however, Encarnacion tagged on a shallow fly ball to right field from Healy. He scored, causing Goldy to have a voice crack. M’s 5-2.

Dylan Moore joined the RBI party with a single in the seventh. 6-2 M’s.

In the bottom of the seventh, Marco Gonzales returned to attempt a 7 IP night, however, the Royals had other plans. The first two batters reached, and skipper Scott Servais went to the pen. Hamilton sent a sacrifice fly to center and scored Chris Owings. M’s still led, 6-3.

The Royals threatened in the eighth inning, but Dee Gordon made two spectacular defensive stops. M’s 6-3.

Without Gordon’s ridiculous gems the Mariners may not win this game. However, he did make the plays. In the ninth inning, Anthony Swarzak came in and closed the door on his second save, and Seattle’s 11th win.

Winning Pitcher, Marco Gonzales: 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 2 BB | Losing Pitcher, Jakob Junis: 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 K, 1 BB | Save, Anthony Swarzak: 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB (11 pitches, 8 strikes)

Dee Gordon’s defensive plays were fantastic, and he helped on the bases. 3-for-4, 2 RBI and a Run scored.

Notes:

• Jay Bruce’s first inning home run gave the Mariners a home run in each of their first 13 games of the season. The 13 games with a HR to start a season are second All-Time in MLB History, only behind the 2002 Cleveland Indians.
• Seattle is now tied for the most HRs (33) in a team’s first 13 games; the St. Louis Cardinals hit 33 HRs in 13 games back in 2000.
• The Mariners are now 11-2. Last year, Seattle didn’t pick up win No. 11 until their 19th game of the year.

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