Justin Smoak shines as Seattle Mariners defeat Baltimore Orioles, 3-2 – MLB Update
Seattle Mariners’ first baseman, Justin Smoak had a remarkable day with the bat as he went 1-for-4 and struck a three-run homer in the end to give the Mariners a 3-2 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field, Seattle on May 31.
Smoak commented on his performance and said, “Some at-bats feel good, some don't. I'm still working to try and get that rhythm and timing from both sides of the plate. It's a work in progress.”
During the first five innings, the batters were unable to post a run on the score-board in front of the pitchers, who threw the ball in perfect line. The Mariners’ starter, Erik Bedard was economical throughout his six innings as he pitched with an ERA of
3.41 and permitted just two runs on six hits including two earned runs. He struck out seven batters and allowed one walk on his 100 pitches.
The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning when Nick Markakis hit a grounder into a double play and Robert Andino posted a single run. Adam Jones got out at second base during the sixth inning. The seventh inning again went in favour of the Orioles
and they extended their lead 2-0. Matt Wieters struck a solo home-run (359 feet) towards right-field. It was considered his fifth homer of the current season.
On the other side, the Mariners accelerated and posted three runs in the eighth inning to go-ahead of the Orioles, 3-2. Smoak hit a three-run homer (393 feet) to right-field while Ichiro Suzuki and Brendan Ryan scored two runs in a three-run campaign. Ryan
said, “It's Safeco Field for one thing. I'm not going to hit a homer anyway. That's the last thing in my mind. I'm really trying to get on base any way I can.”
No score was added in the ninth inning from either side. The Orioles’ Manager Buck Showalter was frustrated with the loss. He said, “It's the type of game where you look back on the opportunities you had and just realize there was no margin for error.”
The Orioles’ starter, Jeremy Guthrie threw eight innings with an ERA of 3.24 and allowed three runs on five hits. He gave away one walk on his 111 pitches and had nine strike-outs.
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