Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Casey Kotchman's two-run homer punctuated a seven-run third inning, as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 8-2, in the opener of a three-game series at Safeco Field.
Doug Fister Has No-Hitter Through Six, M’s Leads O’s 7-0
Doug Fister (2-1) tossed a gem for the Mariners, flirting with a no-hitter before Baltimore's Nick Markakis singled to begin the top of the seventh. Fister had allowed just two baserunners -- a hit batsman and a walk to Nolan Reimold -- until that point, with both coming in the first inning.
Markakis, though, was quickly erased on a double-play grounder, but Matt Wieters singled and scored on Luke Scott's double. Fister retired Lou Montanez to finish his outing.
“It’s amazing to me his composure on the mound for such a young pitcher,” Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu said of Fister.
Brandon League pitched a 1-2-3 eighth for Seattle, while Shawn Kelley surrendered a solo home run to Baltimore third baseman Ty Wigginton in the ninth.
Kotchman added an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh off Kam Mickolio.
Jack Wilson went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored for Seattle, which has won five of its last six games.
Baltimore starter Brad Bergesen (0-2) was tagged for seven runs -- four earned -- on six hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings. Jason Berken succeeded Bergesen and hurled 3 1/3 scoreless innings.
“I care so much about this team. To not chew up innings and put that workload on the bullpen, it just absolutely kills me right now,” Bergesen said.
The Orioles have won just twice through their first 14 games of the season.
The Mariners sent 10 men to the plate in the third. Wilson stroked a one-out double and Bergesen issued consecutive walks to Ichiro Suzuki and Chone Figgins to load the bases. Franklin Gutierrez put Seattle on the board with a single to left field and a second run scored when Wigginton mishandled a grounder off the bat of Jose Lopez.
Ken Griffey Jr. lined a two-run single to right and Milton Bradley followed with a run-scoring double. Griffey was thrown out at home on the throw. Bergesen's night came to a close after Kotchman blasted a pitch to the seats in right. Berken fanned Rob Johnson to end the inning.
Ichiro and Gutierrez each had two hits...The Mariners were 6-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base...Bergesen has allowed 20 runs -- 14 earned -- in 10 1/3 innings this season and boasts a 12.19 ERA...Seattle won five of its nine meetings with the Orioles last year.
See More:
