The Mariners struck early with a three-run first inning and held on to edge the Sox 7-6 Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox scored four runs in the eighth against the Mariners’ shaky bullpen.
On the mound
Jeff Samardzija (8-11, 4.85 ERA) lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits with three walks and eight strikeouts. He is 0-6 with an 8.22 over his last six games. He has a 7.67 ERA in the first inning this season.
At the plate
Kyle Seager hit a two-run homer in the first inning. Avisail Garcia had three hits for the Sox and Robinson Cano four for the Mariners.
Key number
25 — First-inning runs Samardzija has allowed this season.
Key at-bat
Jose Abreu flied out deep to center with the bases loaded for the third out in the third inning to end a threat.
The quote
“It’s not easy, but it’s not an easy game. You usually learn a lot about yourself during stretches like this and you improve as a person, you improve as a baseball player and you keep going.” — Samardzija
Up next
Vs. Mariners, 1:10 p.m., Sunday, WGN-9