Iwakuma, Seager and Cano lead M’s to 6-2 win over A’s

SEATTLE — Hisashi Iwakuma is, when it comes to marketing and promotions, the stuff dreams are made of. As a guy to run out behind Felix Hernandez, he’s pretty good, too.

On a Saturday night when the SeattleMariners distributed 20,000 Iwakuma bobblehead dolls, the real-life version dialed up a masterful performance in a 6-2 victory over the Oakland A’s at Safeco Field.

Iwakuma (8-4) came within one out of the first complete game and first shutout of his career. He exited to raucous cheers after yielding a two-run homer to Brandon Moss in the ninth inning.

“It would have been the perfect scenario,” Iwakuma said. “The situation lined up, but you’ve got to tip your cap. It was a fastball down and away, and he got to it. He was waiting for that pitch, and he got every piece of it.”

That was, pretty much, the night’s only blemish.

Yoervis Medina replaced Iwakuma and got the final out in a victory that boosted the Mariners to 51-43 and ensured they will enter the All-Star break holding a lead in the American League wild-card chase.

Iwakuma’s gem came one night after Hernandez opened the final series before the All-Star break by beating first-place Oakland.

“It doesn’t get too much better than that,” third baseman Kyle Seager said. “Anytime you go into a series and you’ve got those two guys up front, you know if you get a few runs, you’ll be on the top end.”

The Mariners backed Iwakuma with homers by Seager and Robinson Cano in front of rocking crowd 39,204 that spent the closing innings bobbling those 20,000 bobbleheads.

Iwakuma said the doll is a “very good” likeness. The real thing overmatched an Oakland lineup this is missing Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick and Alberto Callaspo.

“It’s been a bit of a fight to score a bunch of runs,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “On top of that, two well-pitched games against us.”

Moss’ homer kept Iwakuma’s night from being perfect, and manager Lloyd McClendon showed no hesitation in pulling him with a four-run lead even though he was only one out from a complete game.

“I took him as far as I could take him,” McClendon said. “I don’t get caught up in complete games. I know you guys like to write about it. I know the fans love it. I get caught up in winning games.

“I know that’s a darn good team in that other dugout. If you give them an inch, they’re looking to take a yard. Kuma started missing his spots in the ninth, and we got him out of there.”

The Mariners grabbed a 1-0 lead on Dustin Ackley’s RBI single in the second inning before Seager crushed a two-run homer in the fifth.

All of that came against Oakland starter Jesse Chavez, who exited after James Jones’ two-out double in the sixth when Melvin opted for Fernando Abad to face Cano in a left-on-left match-up.

Cano flied out to deep center.

Chavez (7-6) gave up three runs and 10 hits in 52⁄3 innings.

Cano atoned in his next at-bat.

The Mariners nearly added an insurance run against Jim Johnson in the eighth, but A’s left fielder Yoenis Cespedes made a terrific throw that cut down Willie Bloomquist at the plate.

It was a temporary reprieve.

Johnson walked Jones, and Cano followed with a booming three-run homer that pretty much put the game on ice.

“You’re up by three,” Cano said, “and then you get three more. That’s big against that team. Everybody can hit over there. This is a team you want to beat. This is a team that’s in first place and you want to catch.”

The Mariners still trail Oakland by seven games in the American League West Division, but they hold a 2 ½-game lead over Toronto in the race for the second wild-card spot.

And Iwakuma, after a pair of rough outings in late June, has now won his last three starts while limiting opponents to three runs in 212⁄3 innings.

“My last game of the first half,” he said, “I wanted to finish strong, and I’m glad I did finish strong. I feel like the momentum is there. I feel like I can start off the second half strong as well.”

Sounds like the next move is up to the marketing-and-promotions people.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.