Walks, grand slam too much for Indians to overcome against Mariners
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kyle Seager, batting cleanup in place of ailing Nelson Cruz, hit a grand slam, doubled and drove in five runs to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Cleveland Indians 9-3 Wednesday night.
Cruz, who leads the American League with 18 home runs, missed the game because of back spasms. Seager helped Seattle win for the second straight day at Progressive Field after a 2-9 homestand.
The Mariners scored more than three runs for the first time since May 26, a span of a club-record 13 games.
Seager hit his second career grand slam, connecting in the third inning against Trevor Bauer (5-3). Seager added an RBI double in the seventh.
Taijuan Walker (3-6) allowed one run in six innings and beat the Indians for the second time in two weeks.
Cleveland lost its third straight and fell to 11-18 at home.
Bauer created his own trouble by walking the bases loaded in the third. Mike Zunino, batting .166, drew a leadoff walk before Austin Jackson and Robinson Cano walked with two away.
Pitching coach Mickey Callaway visited the mound, but Seager drove a 1-1 pitch to right-center. Bauer walked Seth Smith before retiring Mark Trumbo to finally end the 38-pitch inning.
Seager is batting .433 (26 for 60) in 15 career games at Progressive Field.
Logan Morrison extended his hitting streak to a career-high 16 games with a two-run double in the Mariners' fourth.
Walker, who struck out six, pitched eight shutout innings against the Indians on May 29 at Safeco Field.
Bauer gave up six runs, walked five and struck out five in 3 2-3 innings.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Mariners: Cruz plans to play in the series finale Thursday. It's likely he'll be the designated hitter. He left Tuesday's game when his back tightened up.
Indians: RHP Josh Tomlin (shoulder surgery) threw a bullpen session. He could begin a rehab assignment by the end of the month.
UP NEXT
Mariners: LHP J.A. Happ, who seeks to extend his nine-start unbeaten streak, is 2-0 in four career appearances against Cleveland. He allowed two runs in five innings in a no-decision on May 31 at Safeco Field.
Indians: RHP Shaun Marcum defeated Seattle on May 30 at Safeco Field, allowing two runs in 5 1-3 innings. He lost for the first time with the Indians on June 5 against Baltimore.
