Kikuchi Blanks Jays

In one of the best outings on the season by a Mariners pitcher happened on Sunday in Toronto when Yusei Kikuchi shut out the Blue Jay 7-0.

Kikuchi went the whole way for the Mariners giving up only two hits, walked one, and struck out eight. His best outing since he came to Seattle from Japan.  This shows what he is capable of the Mariners will have success with Kikuchi on the mound.

This was an added sight since the Mariners used seven relief pitchers on Saturday in the win over Toronto 4-3. The Mariners decided to go with all relievers in the game since this was the first time needing a fifth starter since Mike Leake was traded on the last day of the trading deadline.

Depending on how many relief pitchers they need to use in the next few days they may use a group of relievers once again or bring a pitcher like Justus Sheffield from double-A Arkansas or use Felix Hernandez if he is ready to go after doing a rehab assignment. They have a day off on Thursday when the Mariners return home to play the Blue Jays so they may not need to use the fifth starter once again until facing the New York Yankees at home.

The Mariners had four home runs in the game. Kyle Seager continues his hot hitting getting another home run on Sunday in the second inning. Tom Murphy had a home run in the fourth inning helping the Mariners score four runs. Also, Austin Nola had a home run before Murphy in the same inning. Centerfielder Broxton had a home run in the seventh inning.

The Mariners had an interesting lineup. Tim Lopes led off once again playing in left field. Dee Gordon batted second playing shortstop in place of JP Crawford.  Domingo Santana was back in the lineup at dh. He didn’t get a hit in the game though.

Marco Gonzales is expected to pitch Monday in Tampa. He may be followed by an opener on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mariners are currently 4-2 on this road trip. Go M’s.