SEATTLE -- Marco Gonzales wanted to finish the season in strong fashion, so consider it mission accomplished for the young Mariners lefty.
The Mariners dropped a 2-0 decision to the Rangers in Thursday's series opener at Safeco Field, but Gonzales allowed just two singles -- including a little infield blooper that first baseman Daniel Vogelbach couldn't corral -- in five scoreless innings as he finished his season at 13-9 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 starts.
The 26-year-old out of Gonzaga struck out six with one walk in a command performance that capped a sterling September, as he closed the year by going 1-0 with a 1.