Nationals capitalize on Mariners' collapse in extra frames
In a disheartening turn of events, the Seattle Mariners crumbled in the 10th inning against the Washington Nationals, relinquishing a 3-2 lead and ultimately losing 9-3 at T-Mobile Park on Thursday. Reliever Collin Snider was the primary culprit, surrendering seven runs, five of which were earned.
The defeat could have potentially seen the Mariners succumb to first place for the first time since April 27, as they held a narrow half-game advantage over Houston entering the contest. However, the Astros fell to Tampa Bay, ensuring Seattle remained in first place for another day despite dropping two of three in the series.
The game appeared to be on an even keel until the 10th inning, where the Mariners' defense faltered drastically. Snider's struggles were evident, as he conceded three runs on two doubles and another three on a homer by Josh Bell.
At the start of the seventh inning, the Mariners found themselves down 2-0. However, Leody Taveras and Ben Williamson stepped up with two-out run-scoring singles, tying the game. Taveras had a superb performance at the plate, finishing 3 for 4 with a stolen base and a key defensive play in the eighth inning to keep the score level.
The Mariners showcased promising performances from starter Emerson Hancock and Taveras, but these were overshadowed by the 10th inning debacle. Hancock delivered arguably his best performance of the season, matching Nationals' promising pitcher MacKenzie Gore through five scoreless innings. Both starters worked efficiently, with Hancock requiring just 50 pitches and Gore needing 67 to complete five scoreless innings.
Despite these encouraging early signs, Hancock's outing ended prematurely in the sixth inning. After allowing walks to two of the first three batters, manager Dan Wilson walked Hancock after 65 pitches. Left-handed reliever Gabe Speier followed, allowing a double to James Wood, which resulted in two inherited runners scoring.
The Mariners had opportunities to take the lead in the sixth and seventh innings but failed to capitalize, stranding several runners on base. In a more concerning development, Julio Rodriguez was hit on the right hand with a pitch in the eighth inning but managed to stay in the game.
[1] [3] The Nationals' performance in the 10th inning set a franchise record for most runs scored in an extra inning.
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