As bad as Tuesday’s blowout loss was for the Mariners, what loomed Wednesday was far worse.
They built a big early lead but missed chances to turn the game into a rout, and then had to hold for a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
Mitch Haniger got the Mariners started with a two-run homer in the first innings. Mike Zunino’s three-run drive in the third pushed the lead to 5-0. They were rolling despite stranding six runners in the first four innings.
Rookie right-hander Sam Gaviglio (3-1) also retired 12 of 13 hitters in opening the game with four shutout innings.