Mariners hand Jays’ Romero another loss

Toronto Blue Jays lose second straight one-run game to the Seattle Mariners

One night after the Seattle Mariners spoiled Toronto four-game winning streak, they walked out of Wednesday night’s contest with another one-run win, defeating the Blue Jays, 3-2.

The game’s winning run came at the end of the fourth inning when Mariners centre fielder Franklin Gutierrez singled home two runs with two outs.

Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero (8-14) hadn’t registered a win in his last 11 starts coming into the game. His struggles continued as he was yanked in the fifth inning after experiencing more trouble.

With two out and no runners on in the fourth inning, Romero walked Brendan Ryan before allowing a ground-rule double to second baseman Dustin Ackley. He then allowed a single to Gutierrez, with both runners scoring.

After he gave up two hits to start the fifth inning, pitching coach Bruce Walton headed to the mound to relieve Romero of his duties. Romero finished with three runs allowed on eight hits and three strikeouts.

Mariners catcher Miguel Olivo opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo homer off of Romero. It was Olivo’s only hit of the game as he finished 1-for-5 with two strikeouts.

Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion belted his 39th home run of the season into the second deck off Seattle’s starting pitcher Kevin Milwood in the fourth inning. Encarnacion now ranks second in round-trippers to Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton in the American League this season.

He had a chance to tie the game in the ninth inning with two out, but Mariners closer Tom Wilhelmsen pitched cautiously to him and he drew a walk. Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar then flew out to centre to end the game.

Encanacion finished the night 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Millwood (6-12) earned the victory, pitching five innings while allowing only two runs and two hits. He also struck out three batters. His only slip up came on the two-run homer to Encarnacion.

Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager went 3-for-5 for the second night straight and remains Seattle’s hottest hitter.

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By: John Spurr
Posted: Sep 12 2012 11:34 pm
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Filed under: Baseball Sports
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