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Seattle Mariners

Mariners Log: M’s bat around in seventh to back Chase De Jong’s solid start

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Chase De Jong throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 6, 2017, in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

MARINERS EXPLODE FOR SEVEN RUNS IN SEVENTH INNING

What happened: Ben Gamel singled and scored, then singled home another run as the Seattle Mariners batted around in the seventh inning to beat the Texas Rangers 8-1 in the second of a three-game series on Saturday at Safeco Field.

The M’s battered three different pitchers for seven runs in the seventh. Taylor Motter had a big two-out double in the frame.

Starter Chase De Yong was solid. He allowed one run – Joey Gallo’s 10th home run of the season – and four hits with no walks over six innings. James Pazos, Tony Zych pitched scoreless innings of relief, while Dan Altavilla’s comeback appearance was marred by a two-out solo home run by Mike Napoli in the ninth.

Line Outs

  • Once again, the M’s got on the board first. Jean Segura led the game off with a single and Guillermo Heredia followed with a single. Robinson grounded to first to move them both up, then Segura came in on a Nelson Cruz groundout. Just like they draw it up in spring training.
  • The Rangers got that one back in the second when Joey Gallo popped his 10th homer, to right center.
  • Things stayed pretty quiet until the seventh with both starters humming along, but boy did they break out in a big way.
  • OF Ben Gamel led off the frame with a single and took second on a sacrifice by Tuffy Gosewisch, though Perez’ throw drew Rougned Odor off the bag and all hands were safe. Keone Kela replaced Perez and was greeted by a single by Segura to load the bases.
  • Heredia took one off the hip, and Gamel scored. Cano flied out to score Gosewisch, and Cruz walked to load ’em up again. Kyle Seager popped up, bu Danny Valencia followed with a single and Segura scored. Taylor Motter then ripped a double to center and Cruz came in, followed by Gamel’s second hit of the inning, an RBI single. All told: seven runs, the M’s biggest inning of the season.

The Takeaway

Perhaps lost in the offensive output was De Jong’s solid appearance after struggling in his first few MLB appearances. The young righty limited the Rangers to four hits – with no walks – over six innings. Certainly something to build on. The M’s are going to need him to be productive with all the injuries to staring pitchers.

Tweet of the Day

Players of the Game

Hero: Chase De Jong. Honorable mention: Jean Segura, 3 for 5, two runs. Average up to .357.

Goat: Keone Kela. Others pitched worse for Texas, but he had a chance to limit the damage and didn’t record an out.

Next Game

Texas Rangers (13-18) at Seattle Mariners (14-17) on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. RHP Andrew Cashner (0-3, 2.95) vs. LHP Dillion Overton (0-0, 6.14).

What others are saying (and writing)

De Jong’s start was just what the M’s needed, but the seven-run seventh inning against the Rangers was even more important. Mainly because it was Gamel and Valencia with the big hits. The M’s need more consistent production from their non-stars. … The bullpen was rebuilt again yesterday, though the closer remains the same. … A thank you note is always appreciated. … How long will Mike Zunino be in Tacoma this year? … The M’s honored Gaylord Perry yesterday. Let’s hope it was a wet day in Seattle.