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Haniger’s game-ending blast gives Mariners sweep of Angels

Seattle Mariners' Dee Gordon leaps atop Ryon Healy as other players converge after Healy's game-winning, 1-RBI single against the Los Angeles Angels in the 11th inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Seattle. The Mariners won 9-8. Photo: Associated Press/Elaine Thompson


SEATTLE (AP) — Mitch Haniger hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Seattle Mariners an 8-6 victory and sweep of the three-game series over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.

After Jean Segura singled to center off reliever Oliver Drake (0-1), Haniger launched his 16th homer of the season over the left-field wall to finish off the sweep. Nelson Cruz and Ryon Healy also homered for Seattle, and Healy’s upper-deck shot in the eighth inning tied the game at 6-6.

The Mariners have won six of their last seven games and 11 of their last 13. Roenis Elias (2-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, and Seattle starter Marco Gonzales allowed seven hits and three runs in five innings.

Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards left the game after two innings because of tightness in his left hamstring. Shortstop Zack Cozart left the game in the fourth inning because of left shoulder strain.

SEAGER SCRATCHED

Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager was a late scratch from the starting lineup Wednesday, but he is not injured. Mariners officials said it was a personal issue, and Andrew Romine started at third in his place.

SERVAIS’ NEW LOOK

Before the season started, Mariners manager Scott Servais said he would get a haircut just like Edwin Diaz if the closer reached 50 saves this season. Diaz, who has a Z-like symbol shaved into the left side of his head, already has an MLB-best 25 saves this season and is on pace to reach 55 saves. “I’m aware,” Servais said. “I’m already talking to barbers. I’m OK with that.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Angels: OF Kole Calhoun (oblique strain) started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Mariners: RHP Nick Vincent (groin strain) and RHP Juan Nicasio (knee swelling) both are expected to throw in the bullpen Friday on Saturday. Servais said he hopes both relievers can come of the 10-day DL by the middle up the upcoming 10-day road trip that starts in New York against the Yankees on June 19.

UP NEXT

Angels: LHP Tyler Skaggs (5-4, 3.08) tries to continue his June hot streak when the Angels play the Athletics on Friday in Oakland. Skaggs is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in his previous two starts this month. Trevor Cahill (1-2, 2.27) is expected to start for Oakland.

Mariners: Felix Hernandez (6-5, 5.70) is on the mound to start a four-game home series against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. Hernandez is coming off his shortest outing of the season when he took the loss at Tampa Bay, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in the 7-3 loss. David Price (7-4, 4.00) is the expected starter for Boston.

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