CHICAGO — Mike Leake’s first trip to the south side ballpark known as Guaranteed Rate Field, in its latest iteration, was less than enjoyable.
A 10-4 loss last April 23, it featured a five-run first inning that included seven consecutive hits to start the game and an exit with one out in the fourth inning after allowing a total of eight runs on 12 hits. There are outings you want to forget and some that need to be forgotten. That little adventure was one of them.
But in his return to trip to the park, just about a year later, Leake delivered a redeeming performance in the Mariners’ comfortable 9-2 victory, bolstered by an offense that whacked three homers for an MLB-leading 24 on the season.