Field Level Media
Aug 18, 2021
Kyle Seager belted a two-run homer and Marco Gonzales tossed 5 1/3 solid innings to propel the visiting Seattle Mariners to a 3-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday in Arlington.
Seager also had a double to account for two of the five hits for the Mariners, who have won six of their last seven contests to move a season high-tying nine games above .500.
Seattle will vie for a sweep of its three-game set on Thursday afternoon when the American League West rivals conclude their season series in Arlington.
Jose Trevino had an RBI double with two outs in the seventh inning for the Rangers, who have lost 11 of their last 14 games overall and 12 of 18 encounters with the Mariners this season.
Mitch Haniger was hit by a pitch from Mike Foltynewicz (2-12) with one out in the first inning before Seager deposited a 1-2 changeup over the wall in right field. The homer was Seager's 27th of the season, one more than Haniger for the team lead.
Foltynewicz entered the game having allowed a major league-high 33 homers this season. He permitted two runs on three hits in six innings to fall to 0-6 in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Seattle, including an 0-4 record in 2021.
Gonzalez (5-5) followed up a complete-game gem against Texas in his last outing on Thursday by scattering six hits and striking out three batters.
Andy Ibanez and Trevino belted back-to-back doubles off Erik Swanson with two outs in the seventh inning to trim Seattle's lead to 2-1. Joe Smith relieved Swanson and struck out Yonny Hernandez to end the threat.
The Mariners provided a swift response in the eighth inning. Jarred Kelenic was hit by a pitch from Jharel Cotton, advanced to third on Cal Raleigh's double and scored on J.P. Crawford's sacrifice fly to right field.
Paul Sewald bridged the gap to Drew Steckenrider, who retired the side in the ninth inning to secure his fifth save of the season.
--Field Level Media