Seattle, WA – Aaron Harang pitched his seventh career shutout as the Seattle Mariners blanked the San Diego Padres, 9-0, in the opener of a two-game set at Safeco Field.
Harang (2-5), who came into the game with an 8.58 ERA, allowed just four hits and two walks in his 13th career complete game and first since 2009, when he was a member of the Reds.
"He hit the spots all day," said Mariners manager Eric Wedge. "Did a great job with his fastball ... thought he did a nice job of dropping that breaking ball in there from time to time to keep them honest. Just did a great job controlling the ballgame."
Michael Morse hit a three-run home run, Jason Bay and Kelly Shoppach each had solo shots and Kendrys Morales drove in two runs in the victory.
San Diego starter Clayton Richard (0-5), who was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list prior to the game, gave up five runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings.
"It was a rough start," said Richard. "They were able to jump on some pitches that weren't executed as well but that's baseball. Really, you have to give them some credit because it just didn't go our way."
The Mariners scored four runs immediately in the first. Bay homered to begin the game. Kyle Seager drew a walk and Morales doubled to set up Morse's three- run blast.
Shoppach's solo shot started the fourth.
Seattle added five more runs in the seventh. Brendan Ryan singled while Bay and Seager were walked to load the bases. Morales' single scored Ryan and Bay. Seager came home on a wild pitch by reliever Anthony Bass. After Morse popped out, Ibanez ripped a double to right, plating Morales.
Game Notes
Harang made his 300th career start ... Morales went 3-for-5. He is 9-for-19 with seven RBI in his last four games ... Bay made his fourth start in the leadoff spot ... The Padres have been shut out three times this season ... The Mariners have won just three of their last nine games against San Diego at Safeco Field.
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