Mariners chase AL West lead against Athletics

The Seattle Mariners will attempt to move even closer to the top of the American League West standings when they face the Athletics on Tuesday night in the second game of their series in West Sacramento, California.

Seattle trimmed the Athletics’ division lead to just 1 1/2 games after producing a dominant offensive performance in Monday’s 9-2 victory. The Mariners launched four home runs for the fourth time this season while snapping a two-game losing streak.

The game turned during a six-run third inning, highlighted by two-run homers from Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone.

Seattle also capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Athletics, who failed to complete what could have been an inning-ending double play on a ball hit by Josh Naylor.

“Just to see that big inning kinda explode there felt great,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “Hopefully there’s more to come.”

Randy Arozarena added three hits, including a home run and three RBIs, while J.P. Crawford contributed a solo homer.

“It was a great way to start the series,” Wilson said. “Offensively, getting that big inning with two outs and putting together some really good at-bats and getting big blows by Rales and Dom, those were huge.”

The Athletics have now dropped three of their last four games despite another home run from Shea Langeliers.

Attention also remains on Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz, who tied Mark McGwire’s franchise single-season record by reaching base in 48 consecutive games Monday. Kurtz went hitless but drew a walk to match the mark McGwire established in 1996.

McGwire still owns the franchise’s overall record after reaching base in 62 straight games spanning the 1995 and 1996 seasons.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay pointed to the failed double play as a turning point in Monday’s loss.

“Obviously, we didn’t turn a double play in the third inning, or the result could have been different,” Kotsay said.

The Athletics could also be dealing with another setback after right-hander Aaron Civale experienced shoulder discomfort while allowing three home runs for the second straight outing.

“We’re going to get some tests done (Tuesday) morning on Aaron. (He’s) most likely headed to the IL,” Kotsay said.

There was better news regarding shortstop Jacob Wilson, who recently resumed limited baseball activities after dislocating his left shoulder earlier this month.

“It’s a good sign, good progress since he was diagnosed with the injury,” Kotsay said. “He hit the ball placed on a tee. He did well.”

The Athletics will send veteran right-hander Luis Severino to the mound Tuesday. Severino enters with a 2-5 record and a 4.23 ERA while attempting to snap a four-start winless streak.

Despite not earning a decision in his last appearance against the Los Angeles Angels, Severino delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, striking out 10 batters across seven innings while allowing only two runs.

The 32-year-old has historically pitched well against Seattle, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.57 ERA in seven career starts versus the Mariners. Julio Rodriguez has struggled against Severino, going 1-for-11 with six strikeouts.

Seattle will counter with right-hander Emerson Hancock, who owns a 3-2 record and a 3.07 ERA this season.

Hancock faced the Athletics earlier this year and allowed three runs over five innings in a no-decision during Seattle’s 6-4 loss on April 20.

Several Athletics hitters have previously found success against Hancock, including Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, and Nick Kurtz, all of whom have homered off the right-hander in past meetings.

Hancock most recently pitched against the Chicago White Sox, allowing two runs over five innings before Seattle secured a 5-4 victory.