Jarrod Washburn has often lamented his lack of run
support, but he received plenty of offense Sunday.
On the same day this story stressed the importance of early leads, the Mariners scored nine runs through three innings.
That wasn't enough. Jarrod Washburn allowed seven earned runs in six innings and Mariners relievers gave up nine more in Sunday's 17-12 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
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Washburn has been called the poster-child for lack of run support, but that wasn't the case Sunday. Yuniesky Betancourt's solo home run was part of an eight-run second inning. Kenji Johjima and Chris Woodward also homered to contribute to the Mariners' 18-hit outburst.
Despite giving up two runs in the fist and five in the second, Washburn left after the sixth inning with the lead. But Roy Corcoran and David Aardsma combined to allow nine runs on seven hits in the seventh inning. The Royals added another unearned run on one of the Mariners' three errors.
Corcoran and Aardsma were among several relievers vying to become the Mariners closer. That was before Sunday, when but the team announced that Brandon Morrow would start the season in the bullpen. He'll likely be the closer.
Mike Sweeney, who is battling Chris Shelton for a platoon spot at first base, was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI. He is batting .421 this spring.
Former Mariner Jose Guillen was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI for the Royals.
Reach Brady Henderson at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
