The Seattle Mariners completed a three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a dominant 5-1 victory on Wednesday. Pitcher Bryce Miller and the Mariners’ bullpen combined to allow just one hit, a solo home run by Elly De La Cruz, in the second inning. Miller struck out seven batters and retired the final 13 he faced, showcasing his impressive form with an ERA of 1.85.
Offensively, Cal Raleigh, Mitch Garver, and Josh Rojas all contributed with solo home runs to power the Mariners to victory. Garver’s homer in the sixth inning was his first with the team, breaking a slump of just two hits in his previous 25 at-bats. Rojas added to the lead with a pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning.
The Reds struggled to generate offense against Miller and the Mariners’ pitching staff, with starter Andrew Abbott matching Miller through five innings before giving up a solo home run to Raleigh. Cincinnati’s lineup was further hampered by illness, as Christian Encarnacion-Strand was scratched from the lineup due to not feeling well.
The Mariners will now head on the road to face the Colorado Rockies, with Emerson Hancock set to start the opener. Meanwhile, the Reds will open a series at home against the Los Angeles Angels. The Mariners’ impressive performance in the sweep over the Reds has set a positive tone for their upcoming games.