Mariners’ closer Cishek never expected to have 100 saves

SEATTLE — Somewhat lost Monday in the narrow escape by Seattle Mariners closer Steve Cishek is securing a 3-2 victory for Taijuan Walker over Houston was his own personal milestone.

It was Cishek’s 100th career save.

“Before, I said just being up here is a dream come true,” he said. “That’s definitely still true. But I never thought I’d be saying I had 100 saves in my career in the major leagues. It’s really a blessing.”

This one didn’t come easily.

Cishek gave up a one-out single to Carlos Gomez, who was thrown out by catcher Chris Iannetta while trying to steal second. Cishek then gave up a walk and a single, which put runners on first and third for Jose Altuve.

While he has long tormented the Mariners, Altuve ended the game by hitting a grounder to shortstop Ketel Marte, which turned into a game-ending force at second base.

“I was just throwing everything I could at him,” Cishek said. “I didn’t have good command at all today. It was one of those days when I just didn’t have a feel for the baseball. It happens.”

Cishek is one of 17 active pitchers with 100 or more saves. The active leader is Detroit’s Francisco Rodriguez with 390, followed by Washington’s Jonathan Papelbon (356) and Huston Street (320) of the Los Angeles Angels.

Former Mariners closer Fernando Rodney, now with San Diego, ranks fourth on the active list with 239, including 64 for the Mariners in 2014-15.

Cishek ranks seventh in saves percentage among the active 100-saves club at 87.0 percent (100-for-115). Boston’s Craig Kimbrel is the active leader at 90.6 percent, followed by Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees at 89.0 percent.

The 100-saves milestone is special for Cishek because he lost his job last season as Miami’s closer because of a poor stretch at the start of the season. When he hit the free-agent market, the Mariners were the only club to offer a chance to close.

Cishek jumped at the chance by signing a two-year deal for $10 million. It was a gamble, as general manager Jerry Dipoto admitted, but one where the Mariners liked the upside potential.

“Steve Cishek, prior to last year, was one of the premier closers in the game for the previous two seasons,” Dipoto said. “His 2014 season is on par with just about anybody we can talk about as a premium free agent.”

So far, the decision is paying off big.

Cishek is 5-for-5 in save situations while compiling an 0.90 ERA in 10 innings over nine appearances. He worked three straight one-two-three saves on the Mariners’ recent road trip before Monday’s nail-biter.

“I feel much better than I did last year,” he said. “It’s not even close. For me, closing ballgames isn’t easy. But I know I put in the work this off-season to get my stuff back, I feel like I’m right there.”

Former Mariners closer Fernando Rodney, now with San Diego, ranks fourth on the active list with 239, including 64 for the Mariners in 2014-15.