Seattle. — J.P. Crawford hit a monumental grand slam and Emerson Hancock shone from the mound with seven scoreless innings, guiding the Seattle Mariners to a 6-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, thus completing a sweep of the weekend series.
Shortstop Crawford took advantage of a hanging slider from Dominican pitcher Luis Ortiz (3-8) in the second inning to send the ball beyond the right field fence with the bases loaded. It was the fourth grand slam of his career and the spark that ignited Seattle’s offense. The play capped an explosive second inning, which began with a run-scoring single by Miles Mastrobuoni.
For his part, Hancock (3-2) had the best start of his fledgling career in the Major Leagues. The right-hander allowed only two hits —both singles— in seven innings of absolute dominance, in which he also gave up a walk and struck out four. He completed his work with just 85 pitches, showing great control and efficiency.
The combined shutout was completed with the relief of Casey Legumina and the Venezuelan Eduard Bazardo, being the second of the season for the Mariners, who had also left the Miami Marlins scoreless on April 26.
Randy Arozarena, of Mexican-Cuban roots, scored two runs in the game, while Dominicans Jorge Polanco and Julio Rodríguez went scoreless.
For the Guardians, Dominican Ángel Martínez went 1-for-3, while Carlos Santana and José Ramírez went hitless. Puerto Rican Johnathan Rodríguez went 0-for-2.
With this victory, Seattle continues its good moment at home, showing a balance between dominant pitching and timely offense.
Shortstop Crawford took advantage of a hanging slider from Dominican pitcher Luis Ortiz (3-8) in the second inning to send the ball beyond the right field fence with the bases loaded. It was the fourth grand slam of his career and the spark that ignited Seattle’s offense. The play capped an explosive second inning, which began with a run-scoring single by Miles Mastrobuoni.
