CLEVELAND — The Mariners opened their series with the Guardians on a strong note, scoring four runs in the first seven batters and getting a steady seven-inning outing from George Kirby, who allowed just two runs as he found his groove on the mound.
Seattle’s early surge set the tone, and Kirby worked efficiently through seven frames to give the bullpen a manageable finish. The combination of productive at-bats and solid pitching gave the Mariners a clear edge in the series opener.
What it means: A fast start like this can set the tone for the series, giving Seattle confidence both at the plate and on the mound.
Summary: The Mariners combined an early offensive burst with a controlled pitching effort from Kirby to take control in Cleveland.
Next steps: The series continues in Cleveland with Seattle aiming to build on this performance.
Additional value for editors:
– Consider adding a box score snippet highlighting the four early runs (which players delivered them) and Kirby’s pitching line (7 IP, 2 ER).
– Include quotes from postgame if available to give readers direct reactions.
– A brief comparison to the Guardians’ recent performances could provide extra context for readers following the division race.
– A sidebar with upcoming series schedule and starter rotations would help readers track the series momentum.