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Mariners search for more success in KC

Jul 17, 2012 - 2:43 PM (Sports Network) - Everett Teaford was supposed to start tonight for the Kansas City Royals when they continue their four-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium.

However, Royals manager Ned Yost decided to use him on Monday in relief of Jonathan Sanchez, who had yet another horrible showing in a 9-4 loss.

The Mariners chased Sanchez (1-6) after 1 1/3 innings and seven runs. Sanchez, who won his first start of the season, has now lost six straight decisions and has seen his earned run average rise to 7.76.

"It's pretty tough when you wait four days in a row to go make a start and it doesn't work. It's frustrating, but what can I say? I've just got to keep working and see what happens," Sanchez said.

Casper Wells did the most significant damage for Seattle. Wells blasted a three-run home run in the first and a two-run triple in the second, which ended Sanchez's night.

"It's been a downfall that media and people have talked about all year, but we've been having a lot of consistent at-bats lately. Everyone's been hitting the ball hard whether it's at people or not," Wells said.

Justin Smoak and Dustin Ackley homered for the Mariners, who have won two of their last three.

Jason Vargas (9-7) picked up the win after allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings. Since allowing 10 runs against the Diamondbacks on June 20, Vargas is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA.

Vargas did give up a long ball for the 12th straight start, as Billy Butler and Salvador Perez took Vargas deep. Vargas has allowed a major league-worst 25 home runs this season.

Yost said he would name a starter at some point on Tuesday. Early indications were that it could be veteran Doug Davis, who is scheduled to start in the minors, but hasn't pitched in the majors since last June for the Chicago Cubs.

However, it appears Yost will go with minor league lefty Ryan Verdugo. He is 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 18 games (15 starts) with Triple-A Omaha.

Seattle, meanwhile, will go with righty Blake Beavan, who hasn't pitched in a big league game since June 10. He was 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA for Triple-A Tacoma, much better than the 11.77 ERA he pitched to in his final three starts with the Mariners before being demoted.

He is 3-6 with a 5.92 ERA on the year.

Kansas City took five of eight from the Mariners last season.