The Seattle Mariners had to feel pretty good about their chances on Wednesday as they opened up a short two-game series against the Cleveland Indians, as Seattle ace Felix Hernandez had the ball to start the game. Just a few innings in, however, everything had fallen apart and the M's were headed to a 9-3 loss.
Seattle actually got on the board in the first inning -- the Mariners never seem to have any problems scoring one run in the first inning -- on an RBI groundout by Ichiro Suzuki. Things quickly went south in the bottom of the first, as Hernandez loaded the bases with no outs and two quick runs came home on a passed ball and RBI groundout. A throwing error on a stolen base allowed two more runs to come home and the Indians had gone ahead, 4-1, without ever needing to get a hit to drive a run in.
Dustin Ackley hit a two-run homer -- his third of the season -- in the top of the third to cut the Indians lead to 4-3, but three RBI doubles and an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth added four runs to the Cleveland lead and knocked Hernandez out of the game. Travis Hafner would homer in the sixth to contribute the ninth Indians run.
In 3.2 innings, Hernandez game up eight runs (six earned) on 10 hits and three walks. The Mariners managed just six hits, three of which were from Ackley and another two of which were by Michael Saunders. Ackley and Saunders batted 1-2 in Wednesday's lineup.
The Mariners will try to salvage a two-game split on Thursday.
For all news and information regarding the Seattle Mariners, please visit Lookout Landing. For updates and perspective on the Cleveland Indians, head on over to Let's Go Tribe or check out SB Nation Cleveland.
