SEATTLE — Taijuan Walker held the powerful Orioles to just four hits over 6 1/3 innings, Seth Smith hit a two-run home run and the Seattle Mariners beat Baltimore 5-3 on Thursday night.
Walker (4-6) gave up a solo home run to Hyun Soo Kim in the seventh but otherwise did not allow a runner past first base. He struck out five and walked no one.
With Kim’s homer, the Orioles set the major league record for most home runs in June with 56. The 1996 Oakland A’s had held the record of 55.
Chris Tillman (10-2) took the loss, ending his nine-game winning streak. He pitched 4 2/3 innings, his second shortest outing in 17 starts this season, and gave up four runs on six hits, walking three and striking out three.
It also was Tillman’s first career loss to the Mariners, who traded him to the Orioles in 2006. He is now 7-1 with a 3.55 ERA in 10 career starts against Seattle.
Leonys Martin started the Mariners’ three-run fifth with a one-out single to left. Smith attempted to advance Martin with a bunt but popped it foul. On the next pitch, he roped his seventh home run into the right-field seats.
Dae-Ho Lee had two RBI for the Mariners.
The Orioles rallied for two runs in the eighth as Kim and Manny Machado each had RBI singles. But closer Steve Cishek struck out Chris Davis with two on to end the eighth. He then took care of the O’s in the ninth for his 19th save in 23 opportunities.
SECOND CHANCE
The Mariners former first-round draft choice (in 2012) catcher Mike Zunino was called up from Triple-A Tacoma after backup catcher Steve Clevenger broke his hand Wednesday. Zunino struggled in his starting role last season and the Mariners hope time in the minors helped.
“From the reports I got, it has been better. He’s a more productive hitter and he’s controlling the strike zone better,” manager Scott Servais said. “He’ll have plenty of opportunities to contribute.”
Zunino was hitting .282 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI for Tacoma.
NO SECOND LEFTY
With the Orioles placing left-hand reliever T.J. McFarland on the 15-day DL Thursday, that leaves only one lefty on the roster, closer Zach Britton.
“We haven’t had a left-hander step forward and seize that (second lefty role), like we hoped,” manager Buck Showalter said. “We have some guys who could potentially do that, but not a whole lot of experience. It’s something everyone is constantly looking for.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: McFarland was placed on the DL because of a nagging left knee injury. He will fly to Baltimore on Friday to have it examined by team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Jacobs then head to Sarasota, Florida, for rehab.
Mariners: The Mariners intend to insert RHP Felix Hernandez (strained calf) into the rotation after the All-Star break. The lead-up plan is to have him throw a bullpen session Friday followed by a simulated game then two starts in the minors. … Clevenger, who broke a bone in his right hand after being hit by a batted ball Wednesday, will have surgery Friday. He is expected back before season’s end.
UP NEXT
Orioles: It took 13 starts but RHP Kevin Gausman (1-5, 3.93) won his first game in his previous start Saturday against Tampa Bay, a 5-0 decision. He gave up four hits, struck out seven and walked no one in 7 2/3 innings. He is 0-1 with a 2.63 ERA in two career starts against Seattle, which he’ll face Friday.
Mariners: LH Wade LeBlanc (0-0, 0.00), acquired in a trade with Toronto June 21, allowed no runs and just three hits in his Mariners debut last Friday against St. Louis. The seven-year veteran has one career start against the O’s, 0-0 with a 1.35 ERA.
