The Seattle Mariners have scored 13 runs in the first two innings in winning their first two games against the Royals. Tuesday night, Justin Smoak and Michael Saunders each hit two-run homers and the Mariners beat the Royals 9-6.
Every Mariners starter had at least one hit. Jesus Montero went 3 for 4 and drove in two runs. Smoak homered with Montero on base in the three-run first inning. It was the second straight game Smoak homered in the first. Saunders homered in the fifth inning off Vin Mazzaro after Miguel Olivo singled to give the Mariners a 9-3 cushion.
The Mariners’ three-run second inning chased left-hander Ryan Verdugo, who was making his big league debut. Kyle Seager doubled home two runs, while Montero singled in the other run. Verdugo, a Triple All-Star, gave up six runs on eight hits and two walks in 1.2 innings.
Verdugo got the start after scheduled starter Everett Teaford was used in Monday’s big loss in which Jonathan Sanchez didn’t finish the second inning. The Royals designated for assignment LHP Jonathan Sanchez, who was 1-6 with a 7.76 ERA, and optioned OF Jason Bourgeois to Triple-A Omaha.