The Seattle Mariners secured their first win of the season, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 5-1 on Friday night.
Raley’s Homer Extends Mariners’ Lead
Luke Raley hit his second home run in as many games. Raley, who managed only four home runs last season due to injury, connected with a cutter from Guardians reliever Colin Holderman, sending the ball 390 feet.
The home run plated a pair, extending the reigning AL West champions’ lead to 5-1.
Young’s Three-Run Shot Puts Seattle Ahead
Seattle took the lead in the fourth inning thanks to Cole Young. The second-year second baseman hit a three-run home run to right field off Guardians starter Gavin Williams. Young hit a fastball that was over the heart of the plate and sent it into the bleachers in right-center field.
DeLauter Continues Strong Start Despite Loss
Chase DeLauter, who hit a pair of home runs in Thursday’s game, contributed another home run for the Guardians. In the first inning, DeLauter launched a 1-0 slider from Seattle starter George Kirby, hitting it 360 feet to right field.
He is the third player since at least 1900 with three home runs in his first two career regular-season games, joining Trevor Story (2016) and Joe Cunningham (1954).
Kirby Shuts Down Guardians Offence
That was the only offence Cleveland could muster against Kirby. Kirby allowed one more hit over his six innings of work. Cleveland loaded the bases against Kirby with one out in the fifth inning, but Rhys Hoskins tried to score from third base on a shallow fly ball and was thrown out at home plate by Randy Arozarena.
Kirby struck out six and walked two.
LHP Joey Cantillo takes the mound for the Guardians in the third game of the four-game series opposite Mariners RHP Bryan Woo.