Murphy Crushes Two More Home Runs, Mariners Smack Rays 9-3

Tom Murphy is already having a career year, but Monday just added to the crazy 2019 for the Mariners catcher.

He’s hit 15 home runs, 10 more than his previous season-high. Murphy has 179 at-bats, but he never had more than 96 in an MLB season. He has 33 RBI, 20 more than his previous season-best.

You get the picture.

Murphy’s two home runs on Monday night were part of a 3-for-3 day with four RBI, two runs scored and a walk. Murphy has hit five home runs in his last three games.

Murphy was also integral behind the plate for pitcher Marco Gonzales. The M’s offense gave the lefty a 9-1 lead in the top of the fifth, and suddenly Gonzales began to struggle in the next half inning.

The M’s catcher went to the mound and met with Gonzales, calmed the starter down, and the M’s got out of the fifth inning leading 9-3.

Kyle Seager kept his hitting streak alive, now at 13 games, with a single in the seventh. Austin Nola hit a home run for the third straight day with a two-run shot in the second inning, which put Seattle up 7-1.

Marco Gonzales tied his career-high for wins (13) in a single year with the victory over Tampa.

Mariners win 9-3.

Winning Pitcher, (13-10) Marco Gonzales: 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 K, 2 BB

Losing Pitcher, (2-3) Brendan McKay: 2.0 IP, 3 ER, 1 K, 3 BB

The Mariners play game two of three with Tampa on Tuesday. Pregame coverage starts at 3 p.m. on Freedom 970.

Here are the highlights from the game:

Top 1st … Tom Murphy 3-Run Home Run, 3-0 Mariners