Shields sharp, but Sox’ offense cold
SEATTLE — James Shields allowed one earned run, seven hits and struck out five in seven innings, but the White Sox lost 3-1 to the Mariners on Friday. Wade LeBlanc and two relievers combined on a five-hitter for the Mariners.
LeBlanc (6-1) gave the Mariners 7⅓ strong innings in the team’s first game after the AllStar break. LeBlanc surrendered two hits in the first, including Daniel Palka’s RBI double to center field, but allowed only two hits and a walk in his next 6⅓ innings. He finished with a season-high 10 strikeouts.
Seattle answered the Sox’ early run in the bottom of the first. Dee Gordon, who went 4for-4, singled to lead off the game against Shields (4-11) and scored on Nelson Cruz’s sacrifice fly. .
The Mariners took the lead in the fourth. Kyle Seager hit a oneout, ground-rule double and advanced to third on Denard Span’s single. Ryon Healy followed with a hard grounder that bounced off third baseman Yolmer Sanchez’s glove, allowing Seager to score on the fielder’s choice.
Reliever Alex Colome finished off a scoreless eighth, and Cruz singled in a run in the bottom of that inning to give Seattle a tworun lead. Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, pitching for the first time since blowing a save but getting the win for the American League in the All-Star Game, pitched a scoreless ninth for his leagueleading 37th save.
Roster shuffle
Seattle called up first baseman and former Cub Daniel Vogelbach and outfielder John Andreoli from Class AAA Tacoma and outrighted pitcher Mike Morin.
Manager Scott Servais said catcher Mike Zunino is expected to play at least a couple of games this weekend at Tacoma before he’s likely to be recalled.