Mariners continue slide, lose to Rangers 8-0

By JOSH LIEBESKIND
Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) – The Seattle Mariners started this season by averaging more than seven runs a game during a series win at Texas.

Last week sure feels like a long time ago in Seattle.

The Mariners offense struggled against Rangers pitching for the second straight night, getting just four singles against Derek Holland and Texas’ excellent defense in an 8-0 loss Tuesday night.

That’s five straight games of offensive ineptitude for Seattle – and five straight losses. The Mariners have one run or fewer in three of those games.

“We’ve got to find a way to get back on our game,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It’s the same team that played five, six days ago. I’m pretty sure our roster hasn’t changed. We have to pick ourselves up. We have a lot of games left to play. It’s a long season ahead.”

The Mariners had only a pair of infield hits in the first four innings. Holland (1-0) gave up four hits and two walks while striking out four in 6 2/3 innings. He got tremendous defense, too, including two impressive catches by rookie Nomar Mazara in right field.

“I definitely owe it to them,” Holland said.

Andrew Faulkner and Phil Klein combined to pitch 2 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Rangers.

Mariners starter Wade Miley (0-1) gave up six earned runs on 10 hits and struck out seven in six innings.

Adrian Beltre golfed a third-inning homer that barely cleared the fence in left field to give Texas a 5-0 lead – all five came in the third. Beltre finished with five RBIs.

“I wasn’t able to eliminate four consecutive hits and that’s a problem,” Miley said. “That many guys getting on base consecutively, it’s tough to wiggle out of that. I thought I might have had a chance to one run with two outs and Beltre hit a pretty good pitch.”

Beltre added a two-run double and Elvis Andrus and Bryan Holaday both drove runners in with singles.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Mariners: Relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit is still listed as day to day with shoulder stiffness. He dealt with the same problem during spring training.

BAT FLIES INTO STANDS

Mariners first baseman Dae-Ho Lee shattered his bat on a fifth-inning single. The barrel, which sported a sharp end close to the handle, sailed into the stands over the third base dugout. No fans were injured.

MILEY GETS INJURY SCARE

Miley stayed in the game despite colliding with catcher Chris Iannetta in the third inning. Iannetta waved off Miley as both charged a bunt attempt in front of the plate. Miley continued to sprint toward the ball and Iannetta’s spikes caught his left ankle. Miley limped in front of the mound as a trainer attended to him, but he was deemed healthy enough after a couple test pitches.

UP NEXT

Mariners: Taijuan Walker starts the series finale against Texas on Wednesday. The RHP is searching for his first win this season after taking a no-decision his first time out in the 2016 campaign.

Rangers: A.J. Griffin tries to extend his successful return against the Mariners after sitting out two seasons due to Tommy John surgery. He won his first start this season.