Mariners use 7-run inning to avoid sweep, top White Sox 8-4

SEATTLE (AP) — Kyle Seager slapped an opposite-field, bases clearing double for the big blow in Seattle’s seven-run sixth inning, and the Mariners avoided a sweep with an 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Mariners 8, White Sox 4: Box score

Seager had three hits and his two-out liner down the left-field line cleared the bases as the Mariners posted their highest scoring inning of the young season. Taylor Trammell, J.P. Crawford and José Marmolejos all had RBI singles in the inning, and Mitch Haniger added a sacrifice fly.

But the key at-bat was Ty France’s walk ahead of Seager’s double. France fell behind 0-2, fouled off four two-strike pitches and walked on the 11th pitch of the at-bat to keep the inning alive for Seager.

Almost all of that damage by Seattle came off reliever Matt Foster who took over after Dallas Keuchel allowed the first two batters of the inning to reach. Foster (0-1) recorded just two outs, and allowed five hits and five earned runs before getting lifted.

Scoring ✨with joy✨ pic.twitter.com/yn76kceZSi

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 7, 2021

Keuchel allowed three runs, struck out three and walked three in his second start of the season.

Seattle starter Justin Dunn allowed only one hit, but couldn’t finish the fifth inning due to control problems. Dunn walked eight in 4 2/3 innings, including a bases loaded walk to Yasmani Grandal that ended his day. Andrew Vaughn greeted Will Vest (1-0) with a two-run single, and Danny Mendick added an RBI single an inning later.

But that was all the White Sox could manage. Chicago failed to score after loading the bases with no outs in the seventh as Luis Robert lined into a double play that ended the threat.

WALK THIS WAY

Dunn’s eight walks were the most by a Seattle starting pitcher since Travis Blackley walked nine vs. Oakland in July 2004. The franchise record by a starter is 11 by Rick Jones in Seattle’s expansion season of 1977. Hall of Famer Randy Johnson walked 10 twice during his time with the Mariners.

Seattle pitchers walked 10 batters total.

TRAINER’S ROOM

White Sox: LF Billy Hamilton was replaced in the fifth inning due to tightness in his left hamstring after stealing third base. … Chicago placed SS Tim Anderson on the 10-day injured list but are hopeful he’ll be able to return from his hamstring injury early next week. Manager Tony La Russa held out hope Anderson would be available for Thursday’s home opener but the team decided to be safe and hold him out longer. Anderson will be eligible to come off the injured list April 15.

Mariners: 1B Evan White was lifted in the fifth inning due to tightness in his left quadriceps. White appeared to be bothered by the leg while running out a ground ball in the bottom of the third inning that led to Seattle’s first run. White was replaced by Marmolejos.

UP NEXT

White Sox: RHP Lance Lynn (0-0) will make his second start as the White Sox return home to face the Royals. Lynn allowed two unearned runs in 4 2/3 innings in his first start against the Angels.

Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (0-0) looks to rebound after a shaky first outing on opening day as Seattle goes on the road for the first time beginning in Minnesota. Gonzales gave up five earned runs in six innings against San Francisco.

M’s Notebook: What’s next in OF, rotation with Fraley and Paxton hurt