Gallardo, Motter, Cruz Power M’s Past A’s In Series Finale

Yovani Gallardo pitched into the seventh inning allowing only one run and Taylor Motter along with Nelson Cruz combined for nine RBI as the Seattle Mariners creamed the Oakland A's today 11-1.

The win helped the M's (8-12) avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Athletics (10-9).

Motter launched his first career grand slam home run in the third inning to stake Seattle to an early 6-0 lead allowing Gallardo to cruise from there in picking up his first victory on the year. Gallardo (1-2) pitched 6 and 1/3 innings allowing just one run on four hits while walking only one and striking out seven batters. Cruz launched a three-run dinger in the seventh to put the game away.

The Mariners have an off day tomorrow before heading to Detroit to take on the Tigers in a three-game series.