SEATTLE — In the Seattle Mariners’ 4-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field on Thursday night, designated hitter Billy Butler was the only player to get a hit for the Royals.
In fact, Butler recorded two hits. The Mariners outhit the Royals 11-2.
Mariners starter Jason Vargas pitched a beauty. Vargas (11-7, 3.76) gave up one run on one hit in 8 innings, striking out five and walking three. Luis Mendoza (4-7, 4.47 ERA) earned the loss. Mendoza gave up four runs on nine hits in 5 innings, fanning one and walking three.
Butler was given the green light with a 3-0 count in the fourth inning, and knocked in Lorenzo Cain with an RBI double. The Mariners (44-57, 19-29 home) are 4-1 against the Royals (41-57, 24-27 away) this season.
Jeremy Guthrie (0-1, 9.00 ERA) makes his second career start for the Royals against Mariners right-hander Blake Beaven (5-6, 5.54 ERA) for game two on Friday night at Safeco field.