The Mariners (29-27) bats came alive in a 8-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays (29-27) on Thursday night at Safeco Field. Jack Cust, Carlos Peguero, and Justin Smoak combined for four home runs and six RBIs in four innings.
James Shields came into the game with a 2.15 ERA and came out of the game with a 2.77 ERA. The right-hander only lasted four innings, surrendering seven earned runs and seven hits.
The Mariners offense got things going in the bottom of the second inning. After a Jack Cust solo home run, Chone Figgins singled a ground ball to right field to score Franklin Gutierrez from second base. Carlos Peguero then hit a three-run home run to center field, bringing the Mariners lead to 5-0.
The Mariners extended their lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the third after an Adam Kennedy double that drove in Jack Cust. However, the Mariners offense was not done yet. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with no one on base, Carlos Peguero homered again, this time into left field. Two batters later, Justin Smoak hit a line drive shot to right field, his ninth home run of the year, capping the Mariners eight runs.
Felix Hernandez dominated the Rays lineup. King Felix struck out eleven and only gave up one earned run in seven innings of work. Aaron Laffey and Chris Ray pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
For more news and information regarding the Mariners and tonight's game head on over to SB Nation's Mariners blog, Lookout Landing.