Seager, Paxton and Diaz Lead Mariners to 4-2 Win Over K.C.

KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 11: James Paxton
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 11: James Paxton /
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The Seattle Mariners used dominate starting pitching, timely hitting, and solid bullpen work to defeat the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The win cemented a series win, as well as a winning road trip.

The story of the day was James Paxton, who followed up his solid outing in Minnesota with an even better one in Kansas City. After struggling to find his release slot early, Paxton settled in, and shut down the Royals.

In his 6 innings of work, Paxton struck out 10 hitters, allowing just 2 runs. He scattered 6 hits and walked just 1.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of Paxton’s game was the use of his slider. Or cutter. Nobody is really sure what it is. Paxton was able to control the pitch, burying it at the back foot of hitters all day. In fact, Paxton was down right filthy today, generating 21 swings and misses.

Offensively, the charge was led by Mariners 3rd baseman Kyle Seager. Seager, a punching bag of sorts recently, came up with 3 RBI, including the game winning 2 run home run in the Top of the 8th. He also got the Mariners on the board early with his first inning sac fly. Seager is beginning to heat up, hitting .294 with 2 homers and 7 RBI in the past 4 games.

After Paxton left the game, the bullpen came in and threw 3 scoreless inning. Nick Vincent had a quick and efficient inning, and Juan Nicasio escaped his self-induced jam. After walking the leadoff man, and giving up a hard single into right, Nicasio got a big time strikeout, a pop up to Seager, and a 5-4 fielders choice to escape unscathed.

Edwin Diaz locked down the victory with another dominate performance, allowing just an infield single to Paulo Orlando. He finished the game with his only strikeout of the day (weird).

Next: Sodo Mojo Mariners Round Table #3: Week 1 in the Books

The Mariners will now get to enjoy a day off in Seattle on Thursday, before welcoming the division rivals Oakland A’s to Safeco for a 3 game weekend set. Mike Leake will get the ball Friday. Oakland will counter with RHP Andrew Triggs.