Hot on the heels of Seattle nabbing a possible star hitter of the future in North Carolina's Dustin Ackley, the Mariners lineup proved just how desperately they need another great bat.
Going the first eight innings scoreless, the Mariners lost 3-1 to the Orioles today in Baltimore. The loss came despite a solid pitching performance from starter Jason Vargas, something that's become a theme of this season.
Through 5.2 innings, Vargas gave up three runs and seven hits. Brandon Morrow appeared in relief to pitch 2.1 scoreless innings.
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But it wasn't enough for the Mariners offense, which had only one player reach base more than once in the game, Ichiro Suzuki.
In fact, the team didn't draw one walk all game and struck out seven times, three of which came from Russell Branyan.
Facing Orioles rookie pitcher Brad Bergesen, the Mariners became the victim of a career performance for the 23-year-old right-hander. Bergesen entered the game with a 4.64 ERA and a 2-2 record through nine starts.
He pitched eight innings, allowing just five hits and striking out six.
The Mariners managed to get on the board in the ninth against reliever George Sherrill after Adrian Beltre doubled with one out, followed by a Jose Lopez single with two outs.
Representing the tying run at the plate, Wladimir Balentien pinch hit for Endy Chavez and grounded out to first to end the game.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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