Paxton loses in return to mound
SEATTLE – It took more than three months for left-hander James Paxton to make his 11th start of the season for the Mariners.
Only it didn’t last long.
And it’s more than likely too late.
Paxton allowed three runs, two earned, in three innings in his first start since heading to the disabled list on May 29. And though five Mariners relievers combined to allow no runs the rest of the way, the early damage was enough for the Colorado Rockies to escape with a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field and take two of the three games in the series.
“No excuses,” Paxton said. “I just didn’t have it today. I felt this one was a good one to build off of and get ready for the next one.”
There just aren’t many next ones left.
The Mariners (69-75) dropped to seven games back of the Texas Rangers for the second American League wild-card spot with 18 games to play. Texas beat the Oakland Athletics 12-4.
Seattle has Rockies left fielder Brandon Barnes to partially thank for their predicament.
Kyle Seager lined a shot toward the left-field corner, but Barnes dove near the foul line and caught it for the out. He then jumped to his feet and hit a relay man, who doubled up Ketel Marte at first base after the Mariners shortstop hustled back after having rounded second.
“Off the bat, I really didn’t think there was any chance (Barnes) got to it,” Seager said. “I thought it was going to be a double, for sure. With the way Marte runs there, you got to think that ties the game.
“It was one of the best plays I’ve seen this year.”
Said Barnes: “When you get that close to diving headfirst into the wall, it’s never fun. But I knew I had a little bit of room, so I went for it.”
Instead of a potential 3-3 game if the ball had landed on the field, it found Barnes’ glove.
As if Seager’s day wasn’t already rough enough. His throwing error in the fourth inning allowed two runs to score.
Paxton started the inning but was tagged for a ground-rule double by Willin Rosario before walking Justin Morneau. That ended his day at 69 pitches.
So in came Mayckol Guaipe to continue the crazy half inning. Rockies shortstop Cristhian Adames laid a bunt that got past a diving Guaipe and was bobbled by Logan Morrison.
That loaded the bases for Dustin Garneau, who hit a ground ball to Seager. Seager’s throw to the plate, on the run, sailed wide of catcher Steven Baron, allowing two runs to score.
Paxton, the Mariners’ fourth-round pick in the 2010 amateur draft, went to the disabled list on May 29 after 10 starts with a strained left middle finger.
“It’s been a long, long season waiting to get back out there,” Paxton said. “And today I was just really happy and excited to get back on the mound. I look forward to doing it some more before the end of the season.”