Mariners 5, Twins 3: I hate (sim) Kyle Seager (simulated)

Today’s lineups:

MIN: Garver C, Polanco SS, Kepler RF, Cruz DH, Rosario LF, Donaldson 3B, Sano 1B, Adrianza 2B, Maeda P

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

In the battle of the dingers, Kyle Seager reigned supreme today. After he was responsible for four of six Seattle RBIs last night, he had four-of-five for the Mariners in today’s game.

Just like last night, the bullpen blew it. Unlike last night, they 6.1 innings. Kenta Maeda was cruising, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts, before he suffered a injury and needed to leave the game. Matt Wisler entered, the first of four relievers to be used, and pitched for 3.0 more scoreless innings against his former team.

The Twins collected a run in the second on a Josh Donaldson solo homer. They added two more runs in the top of the fifth for a three-nothing lead over Seattle. Those two runs also came via bomba, this one a two-run shot from Jorge Polanco that drove in Byron Buxton. The fifth inning ended up being the turning point for the game, as the Twins scoring ended, and the Mariners scoring started. Matt Wisler exited mid-inning with two outs and a man on first. Zack Littell allowed the inherited runner, Carlos Gonzalez, to score on a double by Braden Bishop, before ending the inning.

Littell gave up two runs of his own, and took a blown save on his stat line, in the bottom of the sixth. The first batter of the inning, Mallex Smith, singled, and then Kyle Seager hit the first of his two bombas on the night. The game would remain tied until the bottom of the eighth, when the same scenario unfolded.

This time, Cody Stashak allowed a double by Mallex Smith before being relieved by Tyler Duffey. Duffey gave up Seager’s second homer, giving Seattle a two-run lead that the Twins couldn’t overcome.

Notes

• Roof closed again tonight.
• This wasn’t exactly a short game, but shorter than some. It went 3:25.
• Cody Stashak got the loss, even though he was probably one of the least-responsible pitchers for it happening.
• Be prepared for a roster move before tomorrow’s game, as Maeda was injured, and the bullpen was used heavily tonight.

STUDS:

Matt Wisler: 3.0IP, 1 run, 3K
Jorge Polanco: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI
Josh Donaldson: 1-3, HR, RBI

DUDS:

Mitch Garver: 0-4, K
Ehire Adrianza: 0-4, 2K
Nelson Cruz: 0-4, K

Tomorrow: Oakland visits for the HOME OPENER! First Pitch is 3:10 Central (look for the recap around seven pm.)

SIM TWINS: 4-3, ¹⁄₂ game behind Chicago.