They didn't score many runs. They didn't take advantage of many scoring chances. But in the end the Orioles scratched out a win today and end their 10-game West Coast road trip with an impressive 6-4 record.
Manny Machado's sac fly in the top of the 10th today snapped a 2-2 tie as the Orioles beat the Mariners 3-2 at Safeco Field to take three of four in the series.
The Orioles began the trip leading the American League East by four games. Now at 58-46, they are heading home three games ahead of Toronto and four ahead of New York.
Adam Jones led off the 10th with a double against reliever Yoervis Medina. Then Medina walked Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis. One out later, Machado was down 0-2 in the count when he drove a pitch to deep center to put the Orioles ahead.
Zach Britton struck out the side in the 10th to get his 20th save and T.J. McFarland pitched a scoreless ninth to get the victory.
The Orioles improved to 11-3 and have won their last six extra-inning games. They are 35-12 in extra frames since 2012.
The Orioles broke the 1-1 tie in the eighth against reliever Brandon Maurer. Jones doubled with one out and Cruz was walked intentionally. J.J. Hardy walked to load the bases with two outs.
Machado hit a grounder to the hole at short and Chris Taylor's throw to second base pulled Robinson Cano off the bag. It was scored an infield single to put the Orioles ahead 2-1.
The lead didn't survive the last of the eighth. Mike Zunino homered with two outs off Darren O'Day for a 2-2 tie. It ended O'Day's 16-inning scoreless stretch and was the first homer off any O's pitcher in 44 innings.
Taylor's RBI double gave the Mariners a 1-0 lead in the second inning but they left runners on second and third in that rally.
The Orioles tied it in the third as Machado led off with a single and moved to third on Caleb Joseph's double. The tie run scored on Jonathan Schoop's single. Schoop was 2-for-23 his last seven games.
O's starter Miguel Gonzalez was not as sharp as some recent outings, but he still gave up just one run over six innings. He allowed eight hits and threw 90 pitches. Over his last four starts, Gonzalez has pitched to an ERA of 1.82.
Orioles starters recorded seven quality starts and pitched to an ERA of 2.92 on the trip.
The Orioles have won nine of 14, 16 of 23 and 21 of their last 32 games. They are 17-10 against the AL West. The Orioles improved to 32-23 on the road and they are 17-8 in their past 25 road games.
After an off-day Monday, the Orioles return to host the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night when Chris Tillman (7-5, 3.92 ERA) faces Jered Weaver (11-6, 3.36 ERA).
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