OAKLAND — Mitch Garver and Luis Urías each drove in four runs, George Kirby struck out nine in six innings and the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 16-3 on Wednesday night.
Seattle, which entered the day 5 1/2 games behind the final American League wild-card spot, had a season-high in runs and snapped a four-game losing streak to return to .500 at 70-70. The Mariners scored seven times in the seventh inning to take the lead, sending 12 batters to the plate. They added four more runs in the eighth.
Kirby (11-10) improved to 5-0 against the A’s in his career and had eight strikeouts in the first four innings.
With a one-run lead in the fourth inning, the Mariners put together four straight two-out hits off A’s starter J.P. Sears (11-10) to extend the lead to 5-1. After Victor Robles doubled, Garver singled in his third run of the game. Urías and Dylan Moore each followed with two-out hits.
Urías led off the seventh inning with a solo home run, and then the next six Mariners reached base to open the game. Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles all drove in runs to give Seattle a 12-2 lead. A’s reliever Janson Junk was charged with all seven runs and didn’t record an out as he gave up six hits and two walks. Oakland allowed a season-high 16 runs.
The A’s, in the midst of their penultimate home game at the Coliseum, drew an announced crowd of 4,390 on Wednesday.
Lawrence Butler set a franchise record by hitting a multi-base hit for the ninth straight game with a game-leading double. Butler then scored the A’s first run on a single by Brent Rooker.
LIST EVOLUTION
Athletics: Right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas. … IF C.J. Alexander was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals.
TRAINERS’ ROOM
Left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander (left rotator cuff tendinitis) was placed on the 15-day disabled list. … Right-handed pitcher Tyler Soderstrom (wrist) is expected to begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Las Vegas. … Outfielder Esteury Ruiz (left wrist strain) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
FOLLOWING
Starting pitcher Bryan Woo (6-2, 2.40 ERA) is expected to take over for the Mariners in the series finale. The A’s have not yet announced a starting pitcher.
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