The Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles once again headed to extra innings on Wednesday night in the finale of their three-game series. A sparkling start by Felix Hernandez was squandered due to lack of run support as the M's were swept with a 3-1 loss in 11 innings.
The Orioles finally managed a hit against King Felix in the top of the fourth inning, as they took a 1-0 lead after a two-out RBI single from Mark Reynolds. In the bottom of the fourth, Franklin Gutierrez hit his fourth home run of the year to even things up.
Hernandez departed after the eighth inning, knowing he would not be picking up a decision in the game. He ended up giving up just one run on six hits and a walk, while striking out eight Orioles batters.
Jesus Montero picked up a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth, but Justin Smoak grounded out to send the game to extra innings for the second straight day.
In the bottom of the 10th, the Mariners loaded the bases with two out for Gutierrez, who popped out to shortstop to end the inning. That missed opportunity would prove to be costly, as the Orioles broke through in the top of the 11th against Josh Kinney. Nate McLouth singled with one out and Adam Jones connected for his 30th home run of the season to make it 3-1 Orioles.
The Mariners still showed signs of life, however. Kyle Seager and Jesus Montero led off the bottom of the 11th with back-to-back singles. Smoak grounded into a double play and Michael Saunders walked, putting runners on first and third with two outs for pinch-hitter John Jaso. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Saunders was caught stealing second base to end the game.
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