Right-hander Christian Bergman gave the Mariners everything they could have hoped for, probably more than they could have hoped for, in a 4-0 win against the A’s on Wednesday.
Bergman, a 29-year-old journeyman and part-time starter, lasted a career-high 71/3 innings, had a career-high nine strikeouts, allowed only two hits and helped rejuvenate a pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries and overwork.
The last time a Mariners pitcher tossed seven scoreless innings? That would be James Paxton three weeks ago on April 26. Paxton hasn’t pitched since May 2 because of a forearm strain. Oddly enough, Bergman was promoted to the Mariners from Class AAA Tacoma on May 7 because of Paxton’s injury.