Mariners 6, Twins 5: Sergio Romo is burning (simulated)

Today’s lineups:

MIN: Garver C, Buxton CF, Kepler RF, Cruz DH, Donaldson 3B, Sano 1B, Arraez 2B, Gonzalez LF, Adrianza SS, Berrios P

SEA: Smith LF, Seager 3B, Long DH, Murphy C, Vogelback 1B, Crawford SS, Gonzalez RF, Bishop CF, Lopes 2B, Gonzalez P

When Matt Magill was acquired by Seattle from the Twins last June, he had a 4.45 ERA in 28 innings. He would see a 3.63 ERA in 22 more innings with the Mariners. None of that mattered tonight. Tonight, he might as well have been Mariano Rivera, and he held the Twins scoreless when his new team needed him (the eighth and ninth innings, to be precise.) Meanwhile, one of the reinforcements that were supposed to save the pen last year in Minnesota had a very bad night.

The Twins got on the board first, and held the lead for most of the game. Back-to-back-to-back doubles by Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, and Josh Donaldson in the first each saw the batter and runner switch places. Donaldson then scored on a single by Miguel Sano. Jose Berrios gave a couple back in the bottom of the inning, but the Twins kept the lead. Mallex Smith hit a single, and then stole second and third to get into scoring position, and then Berrios balked in the run. Simulations are weird, folks. The balk also moved Kyle Seager to second after he had walked. He moved to third on a wild pitch, and then scored on a fielder’s choice.

The Twins extended their lead in the second, and finished their scoring for the night. Ehire Adrianza added another to the score sheet, and Mitch Garver did the same, plating the utility man. Buxton advanced the runner with a deep fly to left field, and Kepler drove him in on a groundball to shortstop, trading the out for the run.

Kyle Seager picked up another run for the Mariners in the bottom of the third with a solo home run, 396 feet to left field.

Sergio Romo came on to pitch in relief of Berrios with one out in the sixth. When Romo came out in the seventh though, things did not go well. He walked Carlos Gonzalez on four straight pitches. Braden Bishop singled into the hole at short to put men at first-and-second with no outs. Tim Lopes lined out to Kepler, and then Mallex Smith drew a four-pitch walk to load the bases. Kyle Seager then hit a two-run single, before Trevor May came on and put out the fire. Too little, too late, the game was tied.

May lasted into the ninth, giving up a single to the speedy Mallex Smith before yielding to Tyler Duffey. Doof had to face Kyle Seager. The first thing he attempted to do was pick off Smith, which did not go well, as a throwing error gave Smith second base. Two pitches later Seager added his fourth RBI of the night, on a walk off double that scored Smith and gave us the final margin of victory.

Notes

• Roof closed again tonight.
• Another one of these long-ass simulated games. 3:40 this time. Poor Rob Manfred is probably having kittens.
• What’s up with Jose Berrios’ control. 56 strikes on 98 pitches, and he balked, had a wild pitch, and a hit batsman tonight.
• Old friend Matt Magill got the win for Seattle. Trevor May took the loss, and Romo took a blown save.

STUDS:

Max Kepler: 2-4, 2 RBI
Miguel Sano: 2-4, RBI

DUDS:

Nelson Cruz: 0-3, 2K, 2 LOBsters
Marwin Gonzalez: 0-4, K, 5 LOB
Sergio Romo: 1IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, blown save

Tomorrow: We finish the series with the Mariners. First pitch is 3:10 central (look for the recap around seven pm.)

SIM TWINS: 4-2, ¹⁄₂ game behind Chicago.