Mariners Game Recap: Elias Pitches Well, but M’s Lose Again

Apr 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) rests between pitches during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Safeco Field. Minnesota beat Seattle 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field. With the win today, the Twins won the 3-game weekend series. The M’s received a strong start from Roenis Elias, but the Twinkies pitching staff stymied the Mariners’ bats. Casey Fien (1-1, 2.16 ERA) picked up the win for Minnesota after pitching 2 shutout innings in relief. Rookie Tyler Olson (1-1, 5.00 ERA) was saddled with the first loss of his career after allowing a pair of runs in the top of the 11th. Glen Perkins sat down the Mariners in order to earn his 5th save of the season.

The Minnesota Twins jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning this afternoon in Seattle. Center fielder Shane Robinson worked a 5-pitch walk, and Joe Mauer singled on a ground ball to center field to put runners on the corners with only 1 out. Trevor Plouffe plated Robinson on an RBI single to center field.

The Twinkies doubled their lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Shane Robinson was the catalyst again for Minnesota as he opened the frame with a leadoff single to right field. Perennial All Star Joe Mauer drove a line drive into the right-center field gap for a double. Robinson has plus speed, and he hustled all the way around from first to score on the 2-bagger. Mauer’s double gave the Twins a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning.

The M’s battled back to tie the game in the home half of the 4th inning. Seth Smith led off the inning by depositing a Kyle Gibson fastball into the seats in right field. Smith’s solo shot was his first in a Mariners’ uniform, and it cut the Twins lead in half. Gibson appeared rattled on the hill, and walked Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz to put runners on first and second with none out. A Kyle Seager force out allowed Cano to advance to third base with 1 out. Logan Morrison tied the game on a ground out to first base.

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The Twins pulled away in the top of the 11th inning. Chris Herrmann worked a leadoff walk, and he advanced to second following a Danny Santana sacrifice bunt. Tyler Olson intentionally walked Brian Dozier to set up the double play. Unfortunately, Joe Mauer came through with a 2-run triple to right-center field. Mauer is really the only Twins’ hitter who can beat a team, and he was responsible for 3 for the 4 Minnesota runs in the series finale.

The full box score can be found here.

Next: Roenis Elias Pitches Well in First Outing