SEATTLE — Daulton Varsho homered and drove in four runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Seattle 7-3 on Saturday night snap a six-game losing streak and deal a blow to the Mariners’ wild-card hopes.
Varsho’s two-run homer finished off a four-run fourth inning against starter Chris Flexen (11-6). Varsho added a two-run double in the sixth off Justus Sheffield, finishing 3 for 4 while batting ninth.
Arizona had lost 11 of 12 entering the game and snapped Seattle’s two-game winning streak. The Mariners had a chance to move into the second of two AL wild-card spots when the day started, but lost ground to Toronto and New York.
Humberto Castellanos (2-1) gave up a two-run home run to Mitch Haniger – his 300th – two batters into the game. But he settled down in his first road start and retired 10 straight at one point before allowing a solo homer to Jarred Kelenic in fourth.
He struck out four and scattered four hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Pavin Smith and Seth Bear each had an RBI in the decisive fourth inning and David Peralta also drove in a run.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Diamondbacks: RF Cole Calhoun (left hamstring) participated in five live at-bats and started his baserunning program on Saturday. Calhoun has been out since Aug. 11 when he injured his hamstring. He had surgery on the same one in April. … RHP Merrill Kelly (COVID-19) will throw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Monday and will be evaluated for a return. … RHP Tyler Clippard (COVID-19) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session and is “feeling better and better,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “The symptoms he felt have decreased substantially.”
Mariners: OF Jake Fraley (right shoulder inflammation) appeared Saturday night as the designated hitter for Triple-A Tacoma in a rehab assignment. If all goes well, he will probably appear in the field on Sunday, manager Scott Servais said.
UP NEXT
Diamondbacks: LHP Tyler Gilbert (1-2, 3.12) makes his sixth career start and second against the Mariners in the series finale. He earned a quality start against Seattle on Sept. 5, giving up three earned runs in seven innings.
Mariners: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (7-8, 4.32) tries to stop a two-game losing streak in his first career start against the Diamondbacks.
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