Mariners drop first game of series against Minnesota Twins
By Bel Garcia
Seattle, WA - Seattle began their series against the Minnesota Twins tonight, and were unable to come back from an early 2-run deficit. What looked like a game that was completely in reach for the Mariners did not end up in their win column. Starting pitcher Chris Flexen had a solid outing on the mound, despite the homer, but Seattle yet again failed to give him run support.
Starting Chris Flexen takes the mound (Photo Mathew Bermudez)
No stopping Buxton
Byron Buxton, who has been on a tear for the Twins, was the first and only one to hit a home run for Minnesota. His two-run homer came in the first inning, his 18th of the season, to give Minnesota a quick two-run lead. It would also be Buxton’s fourth home run in five games against Seattle this season. The Mariners finally answered with a score of their own to cut the lead to one in the bottom of the third. With none other than a TY France hit, scoring Dylan Moore, to cut the lead to 2-1. However, Buxton once again had a hand in giving the Twins a two-run cushion by scoring off of a Max Kepler hit in the top of the seventh inning.
Byron Buxton blasts a two-run homer (Photo Mathew Bermudez)
Trammell brings it within reach
The score was 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh , that is until Trammell hit a 432-foot bomb to center field for a solo home run to bring the Mariners back within one. This was well within reach for the Mariners with two innings left, but Seattle just couldn’t haul in the win. After a scoreless eighth inning for both teams, we were headed to the ninth. Matt Festa mowed down Minnesota in three quick outs and left the game to our offense. Cal Raleigh was first to bat but grounded out. What we thought was a rest night for Julio turned out differently. JROD pinch hit for Taylor Trammell in the bottom of the ninth. Unfortunately, even though T-Mobile Park was filled with JULIO chants, Rodriguez struck out. Some might question the move to replace the hot bat for the rookie, as he had not been up to bat all game and may not have been warmed up for the big moment.
Taylor Trammell has played well in his time with the club this year (Photo Mathew Bermudez)
After a Dylan Moore walk, Winker struck out swinging and that was the end of the ball game. The Mariners coming off of a loss to Boston are looking to get back on track while on their next 10 home games. The series is not out of reach, but now they must win the next two.