Cal Raleigh hit a two-run homer as the leadoff hitter in 10e to help the Seattle Mariners defeat the Blue Jays 6-1 in Toronto on Wednesday.
It was only the second victory in eight games for the Mariners.
While Mitch Garver was automatically placed on base for the extra inning, Raleigh hit the first pitch from left-hander Tim Mayza (0-1), for his second home run of the season.
Mayza’s ball speed slowed as the game progressed, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider didn’t have many options with Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson still recovering from injuries, as well as stopper Chad Green unavailable.
“I don’t think we placed it [Mayza] in the best positions because we ran out of options,” Schneider said. But yeah, it was a tough outing for Tim. »
The Mariners then added runs against Mitch White. Ty France hit a productive double and Mitch Haniger added two runs with a single.
The Jays had the bases loaded in the ninth, but a nice play by second baseman Jorge Polanco forced one more inning. He ran to right field to catch a hit from Ernie Clement.
Vladimir Guerrero hit his third homer of the season for the Jays, who were trying to sweep the three-game series.
Both teams finished the game with six hits each.
In the third, the Mariners took the lead for the first time in the series.
In six innings of work, Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi allowed one earned run, two walks and three hits. He struck out nine batters.
Mariners starter Logan Gilbert struck out seven batters before seeing Guerrero hit the long ball.
Gilbert allowed one earned run, five hits and one walk. He struck out an eighth batter after Guerrero’s homer.
“What a great performance from Logan Gilbert,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais. This was exactly what we needed. I know it’s early in the season, but it’s huge for our team. »
Andres Munoz (1-1) pitched for an inning and a third and Ryne Stanek finished the game on the mound for the Mariners.
The two hour and 40 minute match was played in front of 22,960 spectators.