Seattle Mariners Make Team History in Win Over Minnesota Twins
The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon, 5-0, to split the four-game series.
It was a must-win game for a team that is now 48-48 and clinging to playoff life in the American League. The M's got home runs from Teoscar Hernandez and Mike Ford in the win, but they also won in part because of some team history getting made.
Per @MarinersPR on Twitter:
Today (8th inning) marks the first time in franchise history the @Mariners have 3+ hit-by-pitches in the same inning.
With Jorge Lopez pitching in the eighth, Cal Raleigh and Ty France were hit by pitches in consecutive batters, then after a strikeout, Jose Caballero was hit to load bases.
After a pitching change, Cole Sands threw a wild pitch which allowed a run to score as well.
The win helped take the sting out of a tough day for the M's otherwise as it was announced that outfielder Jarred Kelenic was put on the injured list after breaking his foot on Wednesday when he kicked a water cooler out of frustration.
At the time of this posting, the Mariners are still in fourth place in the American League West, 9.5 games back of the Texas Rangers. They are also 5.0 games back of the final wild card spot in the AL, currently occupied by the Houston Astros.
The Mariners will have a huge series this weekend, as they welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays for three games. Toronto is 5.5 up on the Mariners in the wild card race, so they have a chance to make up some ground.
Game one is on Friday night at 10:10 p.m. ET.
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