LeBlanc K's 10 as Mariners down White Sox, 3-1

[July 21, 2018]    Wade LeBlanc allowed one run on four hits in 7 1/3 innings and Nelson Cruz drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc (49) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners improved to 39-15 in games decided by two runs or fewer and 22-8 against teams from the American League's Central Division, including 10 wins in a row.

LeBlanc (6-1) walked one batter and struck out 10, tying his career high set on Sept. 23, 2011, while a member of the San Diego Padres.

The left-hander, who has lost just once in 23 career starts over two stints with the Mariners, left after allowing a one-out single to Omar Narvaez in the eighth inning.

Right-hander Alex Colome came on and gave up a ground single to Yolmer Sanchez, with Narvaez advancing to second. Tim Anderson then hit a ball into the right field corner, but outfielder Mitch Haniger came up with the catch. Leury Garcia lined out to center to end the threat.

Edwin Diaz worked the ninth for his major-league-leading 37th save of the season.

White Sox right-hander James Shields (4-11) went seven innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits. He walked one and struck out five.

The Mariners broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning. With one out, Kyle Seager lined a ground-rule double down the right field line. Denard Span then lined a single to left to move Seager to third. Seager scored on Ryon Healy's groundout.

Seattle added a run in the eighth on a single, forceout, hit batter, wild pitch and Cruz's run-scoring single.

Both teams scored in the first.

With one out in the top of the inning, Garcia lined a double to left field. An out later, Daniel Palka doubled to center to give the White Sox a 1-0 lead.

The Mariners tied it in the bottom half as Dee Gordon led off with a single to right. Jean Segura flied out to center, but outfielder Adam Engel's throwing error allowed Gordon to advance to second. Haniger lined a single to left, with Gordon taking third. Cruz then lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to tie the score at 1-1.

--Field Level Media

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