After the Seattle Mariners have said farewell to Ichiro Suzuki, the new era officially begins. Luckily, it got started with a win, as the Mariners defeated the visiting Kansas City Royals by a final score of 4-1 on Thursday night to kick off a four-game series at Safeco Field.
The Mariners jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to a two-out, two-run RBI single from Mike Carp. The Royals cut that lead in half in the top of the fourth with an RBI double from Billy Butler, but the Mariners were able to get that run right back in the bottom of the frame on an RBI single from Brendan Ryan.
An RBI double by Carlos Peguero in the bottom of the sixth tacked on a big insurance run for the M's and knocked Royals starting pitcher Luis Mendoza out of the game.
M's starter Jason Vargas gave up just one hit and three walks in eight innings. He combined with Tom Wilhelmsen for the two-hitter. Both Kansas City hits were doubles by Billy Butler, one off each pitcher.
For all news and information regarding the Seattle Mariners, please visit Lookout Landing. For updates and perspective on the Kansas City Royals, head on over to Royals Review or stop by SB Nation Kansas City.
