SEATTLE — The score got out of hand quickly, and the Seattle Mariners cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Safeco Field.
Starter Jeremy Guthrie made his second career start for the Royals, and it didn’t go so well. Guthrie (0-2, 9.58 ERA) gave up six runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking none.
Catcher John Jaso jacked a three-run home run in the first inning to give the Mariners a 3-0 lead. It proved to be more than enough to beat the Royals, who are now tied with the Minnesota Twins for last place in the A.L. Central after Friday night’s loss.
The Royals’ lone run off starter Blake Beavan (6-6, 5.20 ERA) came on a sacrifice fly by catcher Salvador Perez in the second inning. Kansas City went 0-6 with runners in scoring position.
The Royals (41-58, 24-28 away) are now 4-11 since the All-Star Break, and 6-17 in the month of July.
The Mariners (45-57, 20-29 home) are 5-1 against the Royals this season.
Lefty Bruce Chen (7-8, 5.54 ERA) starts against right-hander Kevin Millwood (3-8, 4.13 ERA) for game three on Saturday afternoon at Safeco Field.
