CINCINNATI — Franklin Gutierrez’s 473-foot homer was the signature moment Saturday in the Seattle Mariners’ 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but it was just part of an encouraging day in what has been a season-long struggle.
Gutierrez also had a line single and appeared to have another one until second baseman Brandon Phillips, a former teammate in the Cleveland system, made a spectacular leaping stop.
“Hopefully, my swing is coming back again,” said Gutierrez, who is batting just .200 in 26 games. “It’s hard because I only play against lefties. I only play once is a while. But you know, I’m trying not to put pressure on myself.”
It’s been a disappointing season after Gutierrez’s career resurrection a year ago when he .292 with 15 homers and 35 RBI in 59 games after missing all of 2014 and much of the previous three years because of medical issues.
“He really swung the bat well all day (Saturday),” Servais said. “He needed it, and it was certainly well-timed. That’s about all we got.”
Gutierrez was back in the bench again Sunday when the Mariners faced Cleveland right-hander Alfredo Simon but should return to the lineup Monday against Oakland lefty Rich Hill.
“I just try to go out there and do the best that I can,” Gutierrez said. “(On Saturday), I was feeling really good at the plate. A lot of good swings, and I hit some good balls.”
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