SEATTLE — Mike Sweeney’s two-run double sparked a four-run first inning and the Seattle Mariners went on to an 8-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.
Sweeney played 13 seasons for the Royals.
Jack Hannahan and Jack Wilson later had back-to-back two-out RBI doubles in the inning.
Hannahan also hit a home run. Rob Johnson contributed a two-run homer and Jose Lopez had a solo shot in the eighth, his 20th.
Ian Snell (3-1) worked five innings for the win. He stayed in the game long enough to earn the victory after he was hit on the right forearm by Mitch Maier’s line drive in the fifth. After taking the shot, he ran over to cover first then slumped to the ground in pain.
Trainer Rob Nodine examined him before Snell threw several pitches to test it. Nodine wanted Snell to come out but Snell insisted on remaining in the game. He stayed in, retired the final two batters then was replaced by Miguel Batista in the sixth.
The Royals’ John Buck hit a two-run home run on an 0-2 pitch from Snell in the third. In the ninth, Mark Teahan and Maier both homered. It was the rookie Maier’s third career home run in five games.
Gil Meche (6-10), who threw 39 pitches in the first inning, took the loss. In his fourth start since coming off the disabled list because of a back strain, Meche went just four innings, allowing eight hits and seven runs.
It’s the third time Meche has allowed seven or more runs this season.
The Mariners chased Meche with a three-run fourth when Hannahan and Johnson homered.
Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki missed his sixth straight game with a sore left calf. Ichiro, 16 hits short of his record ninth 200-hit season, was asked Friday if he was frustrated and said, “There should be no reason for me to answer that question. I’m not here to play soccer.”
Said manager Don Wakamatsu, “We’re on the exact same page with him. All I told him is let’s be smart about it, whatever day that is (for his return).”
Notes: Seattle 3B Adrian Beltre (contused right testicle) is expected to return Tuesday. RHP Carlos Silva (right shoulder inflammation) will be sent out on a rehab assignment Tuesday. … Royals OF Jose Guillen (right knee sprain) is stepping up his workouts for a return, although no timetable has been set. … Jim Bouton, former big leaguer and author of the classic tell-all “Ball Four,” threw out the first pitch. He was part of the one-year 1969 Seattle Pilots, who were honored before the game. Bouton threw his pitch to his former catcher, Jerry McNertney.
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