Marco Makes Mariners History, Seattle Erupts for 14 Runs in Blowout

Can we take 6 of the Mariners 14 runs tonight and apply them to their two losses in San Diego?

If there’s ever a way to avenge a 1-0 loss, it’s shelling the Rangers for 14 runs upon your return home. Or, it’s the Mariners ace of the staff going seven strong in a shutout start. Or, it’s both.

In a night Marco Gonzales needed little run support, he received an offensive explosion, catapulting his personal record to 5-0 in Seattle’s 14-2 victory.

Gonzales becomes the first pitcher in Seattle history to garner five wins before May 1. He reclaimed the top position in major league victories after six pitchers previously tied his total of four.

Among Seattle’s 14 hits, 6 came from Dylan Moore and Dee Gordon (3 each) at the bottom of the order. Ryon Healy contributed to the cause with three hits of his own, including a bases-clearing double in the first inning that set the offensive tone for the evening.

Seattle amassed their major league-leading 57th home run when Tim Beckham golfed a 416-foot blast to the base of the batters eye in center field. The Mariners have now homered in 26 of their 28 games.

When the offense clicks and your starter dominates, it’s hard to lose, as the Mariners proved Thursday night in their 14-2 victory.

With Houston dropping a game to Cleveland Thursday, the Mariners retake possession of the American League West lead by one half of a game.

Seattle will rematch Texas Friday night as Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound for a one-inning start. The short appearance is meant to acclimate Kikuchi into stateside baseball, where starters are expected to throw every five days — pitchers in Japan typically throw every seven.

Top-ranked Mariners prospect Justus Sheffield will relieve Kikuchi in the second inning, set to make his Seattle debut. Sheffield — acquired by the Mariners in the James Paxton trade — began the season in Triple-A Tacoma.

Seattle aims to build on their dominant win Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.