Logan Gilbert pitched eight innings without allowing a run for the second game in a row, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 9-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday.
Gilbert, now with a record of 5-4, gave up only four hits and struck out six batters. He also got help from his team with three double plays, which brought his earned run average down to 2.71. The 27-year-old pitcher walked just one batter, ending a streak of three games without issuing a walk.
“The defense really backed me up today, and the offense scored a lot of runs,” Gilbert commented. “Even if we had scored 10 runs, I would still be aiming for a shutout. Sometimes, close games are more competitive, and every pitch counts, so you feel that intensity. I don’t hope for close games, but they’re fun either way.”
With 92 pitches thrown, Gilbert felt strong enough to pitch the ninth inning for his second complete game in his career, but he accepted the decision to take him out.
“I understand they have our best interests at heart,” Gilbert acknowledged. “In the heat of the moment, you always want to keep going.”
Dominic Canzone equaled his career best with four hits, including a home run and three singles, scoring three runs. Ryan Bliss contributed with two doubles and a single, while Dylan Moore hit two doubles among Seattle’s seven extra-base hits. The Mariners, who had lost three games in a row, got strong contributions from their lower lineup.
“You can’t talk about this game without mentioning Logan Gilbert and the way he’s been pitching,” Mariners manager Scott Servais praised. “It’s been amazing to watch. I’m really proud of him.”
Canzone, Moore, and Bliss—the bottom three batters in Seattle’s lineup—combined for a 9-for-14 performance, scoring six runs and driving in five RBIs.
“The results were great, but I also hit the ball hard and attacked the pitchers,” Canzone added.
