Two 2-Run HRs Help Cubs Beat Mariners, 6-5

Felix Hernandez brought another solid start for the M’s, but he did give up four runs. He struck out eight, while only giving up one walk on 96 pitches through six innings. The runs given up early put Seattle in a hole, and the Mariners fought back. Unfortunately, both times Seattle took a lead, the Cubs answered quickly. Here’s how it happened…

Two pitches into the game, Chicago led 1-0. Daniel Descalso hit a lead-off home run to start the game.

Hernandez cleaned things up for a few innings before a base hit off Tim Beckham ended up in center field. Albert Almora Jr.’s RBI single gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead.

After being held hitless through the first three innings, the M’s picked up their first hit on a Beckham double. Then with Edwin Encarnacion at third, Jay Bruce brought the run in on a ground out. 2-1 Cubs.

The fourth inning continued with help from the Mariner offense and a couple of Cub errors. The first error helped make it 2-2.

The second error of the fourth helped give Seattle the lead. 3-2 M’s.

In the next inning, the Cubs got a runner on in front of Anthony Rizzo. Then, boom 2-run home run. Cubs back in front, 4-3.

Dee Gordon tied the game with an RBI Single in the sixth inning. 4-4.

Unfortunately, the Mariners got the bases loaded but couldn’t score any more runs in the sixth inning.

Later, in the seventh, Seattle got a laser from Edwin Encarnacion. 5-4.

Apparently the Mariners are not allowed to have the lead for very long. The last time they got the lead, Rizzo hit a 2-run bomb. Now, Kyle Schwarber hit a 2-run shot. 6-5 Cubs.

In the bottom of the ninth, Domingo Santana reached after closer Steve Cishek couldn’t corral the ball. He got to second on a wild pitch. The Mariners proceeded to ground into a double play before Jay Bruce struck out looking on a pitch barely on the inside corner. 6-5 Cubs win.

Tough finish for Seattle, especially after the tying run got to scoring position with nobody out. It’s the Mariners third straight loss and their sixth loss in eight games.

Winning Pitcher, (3-0) Brad Brach: 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 0 K, 2 BB

Losing Pitcher, (1-2) Brandon Brennan: 1.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 K, 0 BB

Save, (1) Steve Cishek: 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 1 BB

The Mariners host Chicago for the final game of their quick two-game series on Wednesday.

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