Mariners’ Vasquez struggles against Rangers again

ARLINGTON, Texas – Mariners rookie Anthony Vasquez got to start in his home state for the first time. And the left-hander had no better luck against the Rangers this time.

Vasquez gave up five runs and seven hits, including three home runs, over only 3 1/3 innings in the Mariners’ 5-3 loss Friday night against the Rangers, who clinched the A.L. West with the win and a Los Angeles Angels loss.

For the lefty from San Antonio, being back in Texas wasn’t that a big of a deal.

“It was the same as any other. It’s not like I had 100 people here rooting me on. You’ve got to focus on keeping your team in the ballgame,” Vasquez said. “I felt good. It’s a matter of executing pitches.”

Vasquez (1-5) had a pitching line all-too similar to his previous start, in Seattle last Saturday against the Rangers. He also gave up five runs, seven hits and three homers while going only three innings in that game.

“I thought his breaking ball was pretty good, but same thing we’ve been talking about with him – fastball command. Without that, it’s hard to utilize your change-up,” manager Eric Wedge said.

On Friday night, only two of the Texas home runs went over the fence – long drives by Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton.

With one out in the fourth, Craig Gentry hit a liner to left-center that went to the wall after splitting the gap between two outfielders. Left fielder Mike Carp and center fielder Trayvon Robinson both made diving attempts for the catch, Robinson a few feet behind Carp.

“Carp’s the guy that has a chance at that ball and Tre has to pull behind him,” Wedge said. “You can’t both go for the ball right there. Carp had the angle, and when that happens, Tre has to circle behind him and back him up.”

The speedy Gentry initially wasn’t even running full speed, and made a stutter-step rounding first base before realizing the ball was rolling to the wall. He then took off and scored standing up for his first career homer.

“We did exactly what we were supposed to do, which is attack the ball. We both felt we could get it,” Robinson said. “Thank God we didn’t collide with each other or we probably wouldn’t be talking right now. I thought it was a good effort. Next time, we just need to use a little more communication.”

That made it 5-0 and chased Vasquez, who pitched one season at Texas A&M before transferring to USC.