Most of Thursday afternoon it didn't look like the Mariners would sweep the Kansas City Royals on the road. In fact, going into the 9th inning the Mariners were behind 6-4. Actually, Mitch Haniger had a 3-2 count with two outs when he hit a triple to bring in the tying runs. When you are off to a great start like the Mariners those things happen. The Mariners broke the record for most home runs in consecutive games to in the sixth inning when Dee Gordon hit his first home run of the season. He was the last Mariner position player to hit a home run.
The Mariners were able not to allow the Royals to score in the bottom of the 9th. In the 10th inning, the red hot Daniel Vogelbach hit a home run to win the game for the Mariners 7 to 6 now giving the Mariners a 13-2 record. I read later the last time the Mariners swept the Royals on the road in a four-game series was no other than 2001. I am sure it is too early to imagine 116 win season but who knows it might happen.
Mike Leake started the game for the Mariners. He didn't do as well in this game as he had done in his previous two starts. He went only five innings giving up five hits and four runs. Also, he gave up three home runs that gave the Royals those four runs.
Erik Swanson making his major league debut after being called up to replace reliever Chasen Bradford who went on the 10-day injured list came in as the second reliever. He gave up the other two run on three hits. They were both earned but some fielding miscues helped along the way as well. I am sure he was hoping for a better outcome however the Mariners still won and that is what counts.
Connor Sadzeck recorded the save pitching the tenth inning. It was his first in a Mariner uniform and the sixth Mariner pitcher to record a save this season so far.
The Mariners now come home to face the Houston Astros. We are hoping the Mariner magic can continue against the Astros. They will face the Cleveland Indians at home after the Astros as well.
Friday night Wade LeBlanc will start for the Mariners against former Mariner Wade Miley. Felix Hernandez is expected to pitch on Saturday followed by Marco Gonzales going for his fifth win already on the season. Go M's.
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