Mariners’ Iwakuma road winning streak stops at 9

BALTIMORE — Hisashi Iwakuma failed to tie a franchise record Sunday when the Seattle Mariners’ run-starved attack victimized him in a way that had never happened before.

A 1-0 loss to Baltimore ended Iwakuma’s bid to stretch his road winning streak to 10 games, which would have matched Freddy Garcia’s club record in 2000-01.

Iwakuma’s streak ended even though he allowed just one run in 72/3 innings. It marked the 18th time in his career when he has pitched at least seven innings while allowing one or no runs.

He was 13-0 with four no-decisions on the 17 previous occasions.

“He threw a great ballgame,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He made one mistake, and it cost him.”

That mistake was a split-finger fastball on a full court to the first hitter that Iwakuma faced: Nick Markakis, who led off for the Orioles in the first inning.

“I would have liked it down a little more,” catcher Mike Zunino said. “He left it up a hair.”

And Markakis hit it out to deep right.

Iwakuma was 9-0 with a 2.17 ERA in his previous 14 road starts, including 5-0 and 3.09 this season in seven starts. (His ERA actually went down for those two spans; it’s now 9-1 and 2.10 in 15, and 5-1 and 2.82 in eight.)

Garcia had 10-game road winning streak over 18 starts from April 16, 2000 until a 6-3 loss on July 19, 2001 at Kansas City.

Iwakuma remains tied for second on the list with Jaime Moyer, who had a nine-game streak over 10 starts from July 25, 1999 until a 13-6 loss on Aug. 6, 2000 to the New York Yankees.

Camden thumper

This stat gem comes from the stat pros at the Elias Sports Bureau: Robinson Cano entered Sunday with an average of .361 and a slugging percentage of .586 in 321 at-bats over 78 career games at Camden Yards.

Those are the top totals for any visiting player with at least 200 at-bats since the park opened in 1992.

“Somebody asked me earlier is I see the ball good (in this park) or something,” he said. “It’s just one of those ballparks I’ve been successful in. But it’s nothing special about this ballpark.”

Cano then went 1-for-3 with a walk in Sunday’s loss. He was the only Mariners player to reach base more than once.

Saunders’ schedule

Outfielder Michael Saunders is slotted for a rigorous on-field workout Tuesday to determine his recovery from a strained left oblique that occurred on a swing July 10 against Minnesota.

In particular, the Mariners want to see how he reacts in outfield drills.

“His throwing is controlled right now,” McClendon said. “He needs to take a full outfield — different angles, on the line and in the gap, throw to the bases, spin and turn. We’ll find out.”

Saunders took part in batting practice while accompanying the club on its trip to Cleveland and Baltimore. He is batting .276 with six homers and 28 RBI in 65 games.

“My hope,” McClendon said, “is later in the week to have him go out (on a rehab assignment) as a DH. We’ll see how it goes.”

Short hops

The Mariners have 24 come-from-behind victories after rallying Saturday to beat the Orioles 6-3. They had 27 for all of 2013. … Robinson Cano’s 10 game-winning RBI lead the Mariners and ranked fourth, entering Sunday, in the American League …. The Mariners are 16-16-5 in series. … The Mariners have used 101 lineups in their 111 games.

Looking back

It was nine years ago Monday — August 4, 2005 — that right-hander Felix Hernandez made his major-league debut by allowing one earned run in five innings in a 3-1 loss at Detroit.

Hernandez was 19 years and 118 days old.

It as 34 years ago Monday — August 4, 1980 — that the Mariners hired Maury Wills as the second manager in franchise history. He replaced Darrell Johnson, and it was a disaster.

The Mariners were 26-56 under Wills before he was fired 24 games into the 1981 season.

On tap

The Mariners have an open date Monday before opening a nine-game homestand at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday with the first of two games against Atlanta at Safeco Field.

Right-hander Felix Hernandez (11-3 with a 2.01 ERA) will oppose Braves lefty Alex Wood (7-8 and 3.30). Root Sports will broadcast the game.

The series against the Braves concludes at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday. The Chicago White Sox arrive Thursday for four games before the homestand concludes next week with three games against Toronto.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

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.

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.