Mariners, Marco struggle, offense silenced in 11-0 loss

You could say that Seattle would like a do-over. After a 6-5 heartbreaking loss to Chicago Tuesday night, Marco Gonzales and the Mariners aimed for a split in the two-game series.

Instead, the Cubs opened the floodgates early, shelling the Mariners for 11 runs on 10 hits. Gonzales lasted only 1.2 innings, failing to complete a second inning that featured 12 Chicago batters.

Gonzales allowed hits to the first three batters in the second, including a home run to Javier Baez on the first pitch of the inning. The first three Cubs batters reached base before defensive errors would hinder the Mariners once again.

Domingo Santana dropped a routine fly ball that resulted in a bases-loaded situation for Chicago. The drop resulted in Santana’s sixth error on the season — three more than any other MLB outfielder.

The Cubs took advantage of Santana’s miscue. Jason Heyward singled and Ben Zobrist walked, both scoring runs. Gonzales walked two runs in and allowed five hits before manager Scott Servais turned to the bullpen with two outs in the second inning.

Because of Santana’s error, Gonzales earned only three of the six runs he allowed.

If there’s a Pacific Northwest silver lining, Tacoma native Jon Lester dazzled in his start for the Cubs. Lester threw seven frames, allowing just three baserunners as the Mariners failed to plate a run in the contest.

Seattle’s sole hit was a second-inning bloop single by Ryon Healy that dropped into right field. Chicago silenced the Mariners from then on en-route to an 11-0 victory.

Seattle completes their six-game homestand at 2-4, dropping two of four to Texas and both games to Chicago. In the final four games, Mariner pitchers allowed 46 runs — the offense scored 7 runs in that stretch.

After an off-day, Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound in Cleveland in the first of a three-game set against the Indians.