Final score: Diamondbacks 7, Mariners 1

I could not bring myself to write a recap this weekend. My favorite team, the San Francisco Giants, came into town for the first time in three years, and I wanted to sit in the stands, wear black and orange, and not worry about how I would soften the blow for Mariners fans when Tim Lincecum pitched 8 innings of shutout ball.

Of course, I was the one who needed consolation when the Mariners rallied with a 445-foot homer by Jesus Montero and a standout performance from King Felix. To my SF-inclined heart, Seattle picked the wrong time to snap its 6-game losing streak—but after a brief surge of success this weekend, it managed to fall right back into old habits.

Tonight, five of six runners were stranded in scoring position. The bullpen, whose last run was allowed on June 10, delivered a fastball to Aaron Hill, who lopped it over the left field fence for a home run and the cycle. Hector Noesi took a step back after his last one-run start, giving up 9 hits, 6 runs, and 2 walks in 6 innings for his 8th loss of the season.

In fact, everything the Mariners managed to do was overshadowed by the Diamondbacks. For the 2 hits and 1 run relinquished by Seattle relievers, Arizona’s ‘pen refused to allow even one baserunner. The Mariners put up one double, a lone RBI by Casper Wells; the Diamondbacks put up 3 doubles, and a triple, and a home run. You see where this is going.

The bright spot in this game was the emergence of lefty reliever Oliver Perez, who made his debut with the Mariners after 22 appearances with the Tacoma Rainiers. In 1.1 IP, he closed the game with a single hit, walk, and strikeout.

Tomorrow, the Mariners return to Chase Field for Round #2 against RHP Daniel Hudson. Even with the 9 hits managed by the Mariners tonight, Erasmo Ramirez may be better off packing his own run support before he arrives at the park.

Next game: @ D-backs | June 19 | 6:40pm