6 years agoSeattle Mariners starter James Paxton allowed four first-inning runs Thursday, taking the loss as the Yankees edged the Mariners 4-3. It was the first time the big left-hander had ever faced the Yankees in his career and they gave him a rude awakening in the first by hitting two home runs. Paxton (6-2) settled down after that, making it through five innings while striking out nine hitters. The Mariners are most certainly in the playoff hunt but their ace has not fared well against the titans of the American League East. Paxton was torched last week by the Red Sox to the tune of six runs in 2 1/3 innings and the home run bug bit Paxton against the Yankees. If the Mariners have aspirations of playing in October, Paxton will have to improve against the elite teams of the American League.--Joey C - RotoBaller
Source: Seattle Mariners