Miller throws 6 innings, Rodríguez makes defensive gem in Mariners' 2-0 victory over Padres

Updated Jul. 10, 2024 10:21 p.m. ET

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Bryce Miller threw six innings to extend his mastery over NL opponents, Julio Rodriguez made a stellar defensive play and the Seattle Mariners beat the San Diego Padres 2-0 on Wednesday.

Jorge Polanco factored in both runs to help the AL West-leading Mariners sweep the two-game series and hand the Padres their fourth straight loss.

Miller (7-7) is 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA in six starts against NL opponents. The right-hander went at least six innings without allowing a run for the fourth time this season.

“It was kind of a weird game. I was throwing it in there and they were putting it on the ground,” Miller said. “Overall, happy with how it went. Gave us a chance and I'll take all the weak contact. It it wasn't for that long second inning, I probably could have gone a little longer.”

Rodríguez struck out four times after having four hits and a home run Tuesday night in a 8-3 victory. The dynamic center fielder made the defensive play of the game in the second inning when he threw out Donovan Solano at home trying to score on Ha-Seong Kim's fly ball.

Rodríguez's throw from mid-center field made one bounce near the pitcher's mound before catcher Cal Raleigh fielded it and tagged out a sliding Solano.

The Padres had three straight base hits to load the bases with one out, but came away empty-handed.

“Coming into today's game I had a feeling it had to be low scoring and we had to outpitch them,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “The play that Julio made in the second inning really gave us a shot in the arm.”

San Diego mounted one last threat in the ninth. Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado drew walks to lead and advanced to second and third on Donovan Solano's grounder. They were left stranded when Jackson Merrill struck out and David Peralta lined out to shortstop J.P. Crawford to give Andrés Muñoz his 15th save.

“In games like that it’s about execution. We weren’t able to get the big hit and we didn’t play clean as we liked to defensively,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said.

Padres starter Michael King (7-6) had nine strikeouts in six innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits.

"He was fantastic. He gave up kind of a freebie for the first run. Then they scratched the other run," Shildt said. “He was in control and set up his secondary pitches.”

The Mariners opened the scoring in the second inning when Cal Raleigh scored from second after Jorge Polanco's ground ball went between the legs of first baseman Luis Arraez into right field.

Polanco made it a two-run lead in the fourth when he lined a base hit to center to drive in Luke Raley.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Mariners: OF Dominic Canzone was placed on the 10-day injured list because of a strained right groin. He had an MRI before the game to determine how long how might be out.

Padres: 2B Xander Bogaerts (left shoulder fracture) began a two-game rehab stint with Class-A Lake Elsinore on Wednesday night.

SEPARATE WAYS

The Mariners announced that this will be the final season of the Modesto Nuts. The Mariners have been full owners of the Class-A California League team since November 2022. They came on as part owners in October 2016.

UP NEXT

Mariners: Open a four-game series at the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, with RHP Luis Castillo (7-9, 3.72 ERA) on the hill.

Padres: RHP Randy Vásquez (2-4, 4.66 ERA) gets the call Friday for the start of a weekend series against the Atlanta Braves.

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