Mariners Hold Off Royals 4-3
SEATTLE — A late mini-rally came up just short, and the Seattle Mariners were able to pull out a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday afternoon at Safeco Field.
In the first inning, Billy Butler got the Royals on the board with an RBI single, but designated hitter Jesus Montero crushed a two-run home run in the third to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
An RBI triple by Alcides Escobar in the eighth narrowed the gap to 3-2. Escobar was at third with one out, but the Royals couldn’t get him home. Chris Getz grounded out, Butler was intentionally walked, and Yuniesky Betancourt grounded out to end the inning.
The Mariners (46-57, 21-29 home) went back up by two with a sacrifice fly by first baseman Mike Carp.
The Royals (41-59, 24-29 away) struck back with an RBI triple by Lorenzo Cain in the ninth to cut it to 4-3.
Starter Bruce Chen (7-9, 5.49 ERA) gave up three runs on seven hits in 6 innings, striking out five and walking one.
The Royals have lost 20 of their last 26, and are 1-6 against the Mariners this season. They are now in sole possession of last place in the A.L. Central.
Royals lefty Will Smith (2-3, 6.26 ERA) starts against Mariners All-Star ace Felix Hernandez (9-5, 2.80 ERA) on Sunday afternoon for game four at Safeco field.
