Orioles Fall Late in Game Against Mariners 5-2

In the second game of a three-game series in Seattle, the Orioles were not able to overcome a four-run eighth inning by the Mariners. The series win will now be up for grabs on Wednesday afternoon.

Similar to Monday night’s game, there was not much action until the eighth inning. This time, the Mariners took control.

Kyle Seager and Rio Ruiz each hit solo home runs midway through the game for a score of 1-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth. Travis Lakins Sr. was called in to begin the inning and loaded the bases with no outs.

Tanner Scott was forced to come in but gave up the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly from Seager. The next batter, Kyle Lewis, took Scott deep for a three-run home run to make the score 5-1. It was the ultimate dagger that decided the game.

The Orioles would bring the tying run on deck in the top of the ninth, but could not capitalize on the opportunity.

Jorge Lopez’s big mistake was the solo home run in the bottom of the fourth, but the 28-year old managed to limit the Mariners to only one run. This is the first time this season where he has given up one run or less in a start.

Wednesday afternoon’s matchup will be the rubber game of the series and the Orioles are sending out their ace for the series win.

John Means will start his seventh game of the season, coming in with a 3-0 record with a 1.70 ERA in 37 innings pitched. Yusei Kikuchi will get the start for the Mariners, who is fresh off a seven-inning, one-hit shutout against the Astros on April 29.

The Orioles will need to get runs on the board early in this matchup to give them the best chances of winning this game.

Wednesday afternoon’s game is set for a 3:40 p.m. EST start from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wa.