Mariners 4 - 2 Reds
Final
  for this game

Franklin, Saunders homer as Mariners top Reds

Jul 6, 2013 - 4:54 AM Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Nick Franklin hit a two-run home run to guide the Seattle Mariners to a 4-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game set from Great American Ball Park.

Aaron Harang (4-7) gave up two runs on six hits over six innings to move to 3-0 against the Reds in his career. Michael Saunders hit a solo home run and drove in two for the Mariners, who have won three of four.

"It has to be a big deal for him because he spent a lot of years here," said Seattle manager Eric Wedge. "He had a lot of good years here and the fans appreciated him tonight. He threw a good ball game for us."

Joey Votto hit a solo home run and Shin-Soo Choo drove in the other run for the Reds, who were coming off a three-game sweep of San Francisco. Mike Leake (7-4) was charged with four runs on five hits in five innings to take the loss.

"We have to get more two-out hits and that's been haunting us all year," said Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker. "You know, when you get those two-out hits it makes all the difference in the world."

Seattle jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning as Brad Miller tripled to center to start the game and Franklin followed by hitting the first pitch he saw deep over the wall in right for his fifth home run of the season.

Saunders hit an 0-1 changeup over the right field wall to start the second.

In the fourth, Kyle Seager drew a walk to start the frame, moved to second on a wild pitch, took third on a groundout and scored off a Saunders sac fly for a 4-0 lead.

Cincinnati finally got on the board in the fifth as Devin Mesoraco kept the inning alive with a two-out single. Jack Hannahan then punched a pinch-hit single to left and came home on a Choo double. Zack Cozart grounded out to end the frame.

Votto led off the sixth inning with his 15th home run of the season, a bomb to dead center.

Charlie Furbush struck out Choo to end the seventh inning with a runner on second base, then retired the Reds in order in the eighth inning.

Oliver Perez struck out the side in the ninth for his second save of the season.

Game Notes

It was Saunders' first home run since May 4 ... The Mariners have a home run in 13 straight games ... Seattle left fielder Raul Ibanez extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the eighth ... The Mariners improved to 9-1 lifetime against the Reds and are making their first appearance at Great American Ball Park.






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