Shed Long Jr.’s grand slam in 10th gives Mariners sweep of Rays in four-game set
SEATTLE — Shed Long Jr. hit a grand slam with two outs in the 10th inning, lifting the Seattle Mariners over the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Sunday for a four-game sweep.
The Rays owned the best record in the majors before their current six-game losing streak.
Long’s first homer of the season came against Diego Castillo (2-4).
Dylan Moore started Seattle’s 10th with a bunt hit when Castillo’s throw to third was too late to catch designated runner Taylor Trammell, who was pinch-running for Ty France.
Trammell then got caught in a rundown between third and home on Jake Bauers’ grounder for the first out. Luis Torrens drew a walk to load the bases and Jake Fraley popped out to shallow right before Long’s shot to right field.
France and Torrens also homered for the Mariners, who have won seven of eight.
It was the first time the Rays had been swept in a four-game series since the Tigers did it in a series finishing on July 3, 2016.
The Mariners trailed in all four games, and had the winning run come in the final inning three times in the series, including the last two in extras.
Rafael Montero (5-2) pitched a perfect top of the 10th for the win.
Shane McClanahan kept the Mariners quiet early in one of his strongest starts. The rookie left-hander struck out eight in six innings, both career highs. He gave up three hits, with the only run coming on Torrens’ leadoff homer in the third inning, and walked one.
Marco Gonzales was also strong on the mound for Seattle, keeping the Rays scoreless through five innings before running into some trouble.
Manuel Margot had an RBI double in the sixth to tie it at 1-1. In the seventh, Brandon Lowe doubled when Fraley just missed a tough running catch at the center-field wall, and Mike Zunino followed with a double, chasing Gonzales from the game.
Gonzales allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings, walking three and matching his season-high with six strikeouts.
Streaking
France led off the seventh inning with his sixth homer, extending his hitting streak to nine games. Bauers has also hit in nine straight. The nine-game streaks are the longest for Seattle this season.
Trainer’s room
Mariners: Manager Scott Servais said RHP Erik Swanson (right groin strain) will throw a bullpen session on Monday before likely starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma.
Up next
Mariners: RHP Chris Flexen (6-3, 4.12 ERA) will start against the Rockies on Tuesday. Flexen set career highs with eight strikeouts and eight innings while holding the Twins scoreless in his last outing.