Seattle Mariners Get Big Win In James Paxton’s Return

A day after the newest additions to the Seattle Mariners lineup were the talk of the town – despite going a combined 0-for-7, the news Saturday was the return of LHP James Paxton to the rotation.

Paxton was a bit shaky in spots, but otherwise looked really solid in his return from a lat strain suffered in only his second start of the season (April 8). He had command of his fastball which topped 98 MPH at times, his curve was working and he appeared unfazed, despite taking a comeback liner off his thigh at one point. He did not earn the win, but pitched 4.1 IP allowing two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five.

Dustin Ackley and Robinson Cano went deep for the Mariners as the offense carried the day against the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles in the 6-3 win.

Aug 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) is congratulated by Dustin Ackley (13) and Austin Jackson (16) after hitting a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Mariners defeated the Orioles 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Cano’s three-run shot in the 5th inning – which gave the Mariners the lead – was only the 8th of the year for Can. But he is typically a strong 2nd-half hitter, so perhaps this will become a regular sight down the stretch.

Ackley continued his hot streak as he collected another three hits and scored three times. Newly-acquired Austin Jackson also collected two hits and scored twice.

The new-look top four in the lineup combined to hit 8-for-18 (.444) with all six of the runs scored. Something Mariners fans may have been surprised to see. Even more surprising may be that the Mariners only struck out twice in the game.

Seattle is now just two games behind Toronto for the 2nd AL Wild-Card spot.

The Mariners hope to keep the good times rolling with a matinee finale this morning. Hisashi Iwakuma takes the hill opposite Chris Tillman.

BOX SCORE

Batting

Seattle

Batting

2B – D Ackley (22, M Gonzalez)

HR – D Ackley (6, 3rd inning off M Gonzalez 0 on, 1 Out), R Cano (8, 5th inning off M Gonzalez 2 on, 1 Out)

RBI – D Ackley (37), R Cano 3 (62), K Morales 2 (23)

2-out RBI – K Morales 2

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out – K Seager 1, J Sucre 2

GIDP – C Taylor

Team LOB – 8

Fielding

E – J Paxton (1, throw); Y Medina (1, field)

DP – 1 (C Taylor-R Cano-K Morales)

Baltimore

Batting

2B – M Machado (13, J Paxton); C Joseph (7, B Maurer)

HR – C Joseph (4, 5th inning off J Paxton 0 on, 0 Out)

RBI – A Jones (68), C Joseph (13), R Flaherty (17)

2-out RBI – R Flaherty

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out – N Markakis 2, M Machado 1, D Young 1, C Davis 1

GIDP – A Jones

Team LOB – 8

Fielding

DP – 1 (M Machado-J Schoop-S Pearce)

Pitching

Seattle

Baltimore

HBP – R Cano (by T McFarland)

Pitches-strikes – J Paxton 83-48; D Leone 19-14; B Maurer 20-11; Y Medina 16-11; C Furbush 4-3; F Rodney 18-13; M Gonzalez 91-60; B Brach 21-13; B Matusz 28-17; T Hunter 15-9; T McFarland 11-7

Ground balls-fly balls – J Paxton 7-1; D Leone 1-3; B Maurer 0-2; Y Medina 1-0; C Furbush 0-1; F Rodney 3-1; M Gonzalez 9-6; B Brach 1-3; B Matusz 0-2; T Hunter 2-1; T McFarland 1-1

Batters faced – J Paxton 19; D Leone 5; B Maurer 4; Y Medina 3; C Furbush 1; F Rodney 6; M Gonzalez 23; B Brach 5; B Matusz 5; T Hunter 4; T McFarland 4

Game Details

Game Time: 3:38.

Umpires: HP–Clint Fagan. 1B–Tim Timmons. 2B–Tim Welke. 3B–Todd Tichenor.

Weather: 78 degrees, Mostly Cloudy.

Wind: 6 mph, Right to Left.

Attendance: 36,508.