Mariners Bounce Back, Beat A’s 4-1

After their most frustrating loss of the season, a 3-2 loss last night, the Mariners looked to get back on track against the Oakland A’s and their ace Sean Manaea. Wade Leblanc got the call for the Mariners in a pitching matchup that would best be described as ‘not ideal’ for the Mariners.

Manaea came into the game having not allowed an earned run since he last faced the Mariners on April 15th. In fact, Manaea had allowed only six hits and one earned run over his last three starts.

Leblanc, on the other hand, was making just his first start of the year and came into the game with a 4.61 era in five appearances.

Seattle got off to a quick start against Manaea, a sign of things to come. In the first Dee Gordon reached on a single and stole second, Jean Segura laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to third, and Robbie Cano completed the game of get ’em on, get ’em over, get ’em in with a line drive base hit to left and the Mariners led 1-0.

In the third inning, Cano again drove Gordon home with a base hit to give the Mariners a 2-0 lead. Nelson Cruz, in the next at-bat, crushed a 426-foot homer to center. It was Nellie’s seventh home run of the year and an absolute no-doubter.

Leblanc gave the Mariners exactly what they needed and wiggled out of a 4th inning jam before giving way to Chasen Bradford, who took over to start the 5th. Bradford quickly gave up a home run to Stephan Piscotty to bring the score to 4-1. But that would be all the A’s would get.

The Mariners bullpen was solid after a rocky night last night. They combined to give up only one run and two hits over five innings. Edwin Diaz picked up his 13th save in a return to form performance.

Next up the Mariners take on the Angels. Mike Leake (3-2, 6.48 era) will get that start against Garrett Richards (3-1, 4.88 ERA).

Next: The Mariners One Month Awards

Game Notes:

Mark Canha has a very questionable set of sideburns that he really should shave.

The Root Sports broadcast played Ichiro highlights between each inning. Please check out Ichiro week coming soon!

Dee Gordon went 3-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.