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Mariners Game Recap: M’s Hold on to Beat White Sox

By Brian Helberg

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8. 62. Final. 6. 128

The Seattle Mariners (57-67) snapped their 3-game losing streak this afternoon against the Chicago White Sox (58-64) at Safeco Field. The M’s nearly blew another huge lead, but managed to hold on for the victory. Taijuan Walker (9-7, 4.73 ERA) earned the win for Seattle. John Danks (6-11, 4.90 ERA) was credited with the loss after getting lit up by the Mariners’ bats. Tom Wilhelmsen pitched a perfect 9th inning to record his 3rd save of the season.

For the third consecutive game, the White Sox struck first. Chicago jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 2nd inning. The lead was short-lived though, as Seattle plated 4 runs in the 3rd. The M’s added another 3 runs in the 5th to build their lead to 6 runs. However, no lead is ever big enough for the Mariners this season. The Sox stormed back with 5 runs in the 6th to shrink the M’s lead to just 1 run. Thankfully, Seattle added an insurance run in the home half of the 8th inning to give themselves a bit of much needed breathing room.

Taijuan Walker allowed 5 runs on 7 hits across 5.2 innings Sunday afternoon. Prince Tai struck out 4, walked 0 and served up 1 home run. Walker was very effective during the first 5 innings, but ran into some trouble in the 6th. The 22-year-old right-hander has developed into a consistent strike thrower this season, but learning to locate his pitches within the zone will be the next step in his development into a top tier starting pitcher.

Logan Kensing was called up from Tacoma earlier in the afternoon, and made his debut with the M’s roughly 40 minutes after arriving at Safeco Field. Kensing had not appeared in a Major League game since 2013, and Adam LaRoche welcomed him back to the show with a deep home run to right field. The 33-year-old right-hander allowed 1 run across 1 inning while striking out 2 and walking 1. Carson Smith was used as the M’s setup man today, and hurled 1.1 perfect innings to earn his 14th hold of the season. Tom Wilhemlsen picked up the save after retiring the Sox in order in the 9th.

Nelson Cruz has been otherworldly in 2015, and he led the way for Seattle once again this afternoon. Cruz came through with a 2-run double in the 4th inning to give the M’s the lead. Cruz has now reached base in 33 consecutive games. Robinson Cano finished 1 for 2 with a home run, 2 walks and 2 RBI. Cano’s homer was his 14th of the season, and he is now hitting a respectable .274 on the season. Austin Jackson went 2 for 4 with a walk, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Franklin Gutierrez, Ketel Marte and Jesus Sucre were responsible for the other Mariners’ runs.

John Danks did not have his best stuff today, and the Mariners made him pay for his numerous mistakes. Danks allowed 7 runs on 8 hits through 5 innings. The veteran southpaw struck out 4 and walked 3. The White Sox bullpen kept them in the game, but the damage had already been done. Matt Albers entered in the 6th, and exited in the 7th after pitching 1.1 scoreless innings. Zach Duke kept the M’s off the scoreboard while recording the final 2 outs in the 7th. Jake Petricka surrendered a run in the 8th, but managed to stop the bleeding in time to give Chicago a chance in the 9th.

Jose Abreu has as much raw power as anyone in the game, and he flexed his muscles this afternoon. Abreu finished 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Adam LaRoche had a great game as well, going 2 for 4 with a double, a home run and 2 RBI. Alexei Ramirez and Tyler Saladino combined to plate the other Sox runs today.

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Despite today’s win, the Mariners were unable to make up any ground in the American League West. Seattle remains 11.5 games back of the Houston Astros. The M’s are currently 7.5 games back in the wildcard race.

The Seattle Mariners (57-67) will welcome the Oakland A’s (54-71) to town on Monday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. The A’s are one of the few teams in baseball worse than Seattle right now, so hopefully the Mariners can come out strong tomorrow night. Hisashi Iwakuma (5-2, 3.74 ERA) will make his first start at home for the Mariners since pitching a no-hitter on August 12. Felix Doubront (0-0, 2.70 ERA) will toe the rubber for the visitors on Monday. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.

Next: Fernando Rodney DFA'd, Farquhar to AAA

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