SEATTLE (AP) — Brandon Drury drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the eighth inning as the Los Angeles Angels completed a three-game sweep of the struggling Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Wednesday. The Mariners were booed by fans after losing for the eighth time in nine games and for the 20th time in 29 games, slipping to 53-51 overall. Despite its extended troubles, Seattle is a game behind first-place Houston (53-49) in the AL West.
Mariners starter Luis Castillo worked six shutout innings before the Angels finally scored against the Seattle bullpen. Nolan Schanuel led off the eighth with a single against reliever Gregory Santos and scored on a two-out single by Willie Calhoun, knotting the score at 1-all. Santos (0-1) then left the game and Drury put the Angels ahead with a single off Trent Thornton that scored pinch-runner Kevin Pillar from second base.
It was a welcome moment of triumph for Drury, who came in hitting .164, with one homer and just seven RBI in 50 games played. “Anytime you come up with the big hit, it feels good,” Drury said.
“But obviously it's been a tough start to the season for me, for sure. I felt good today and hopefully I can use this to keep it rolling for the two-plus months we've got left.” Santos left after throwing 16 pitches in the eighth with right knee pain, giving up one run on two singles before being lifted by manager Scott Servais and trainers.
Castillo pitched well for Seattle, allowing five hits and two walks while stri.