Mariners bats continued to be easily silenced, as they were shut out for eight-straight innings in a 3-1 loss to the Royals today in Kansas City.
Despite nine hits, the Mariners could only manage one run, rendering Jarrod Washburn's seven-inning performance of two runs, one earned, meaningless.
The loss is the fourth-straight for the Mariners, who have already dropped out of first place in the AL West division behind the Rangers.
To continue...
The win was the third of the season for Royals pitcher Brian Bannister, who now has a 1.48 ERA through four starts. He gave up only five hits, struck out seven and allowed no runs. He also forced the Mariners into four double plays.
It's the third-straight game where the Mariners have failed to score more than two runs.
They did have a chance to tie the game in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded, two out and Ichiro Suzuki at the plate. He ground out in a fielder's choice. It was his only out of the game.
Catcher Rob Johnson continued his struggles at the pate, going 0-for-3. He struck out each time.
Meanwhile, Ronny Cedeno, in his first start since April 22, fumbled a routine grounder that allowed the first run of the game in the bottom of the third. He failed to reach base in three at bats, striking out each time, and now has a .138 batting average in 29 at bats this season.
SS Yuniesky Betancourt was given the game off but pinch hit in the ninth, reaching base on a walk.
The Mariners now go on the road for a three-game series against the Twins (13-15), who the Mariners tied with in a four-game series to open the season.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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