Mitch Talbot shuts down Mariners as Indians topple Mariners 4-2

Talbot helps Indians down Mariners 4-2

SEATTLE — Mitch Talbot allowed an unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to help the Cleveland Indians top the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Saturday night.

Talbot (9-11) struck out six to pick up his first win since June 27. He allowed five hits and a walk.

Indians starters have allowed three runs or fewer in nine of their past 10 starts.

Shin Soo-Choo walked and scored in the first on a RBI single from Travis Hafner. Cleveland picked added two runs in the third on four consecutive hits off Mariners starter David Pauley (2-7).

Jason Donald added another run in the fourth, scoring on a single by Michael Brantley.

The Mariners got an unearned run after a throwing error by Asdrubal Cabrera allowed Matt Tuiasosopo to reach with two outs in the seventh inning. Talbot then hit Josh Wilson with a pitch and was lifted for Rafael Perez. Ichiro Suzuki hit a two-out single to score Tuiasosopo.

Russell Branyan led off the eighth inning with a home run to right field. Consecutive singles by Jose Lopez and Casey Kotchman brought the go-ahead run to the plate with no outs, and Perez was replaced by Tony Sipp.

Josh Bard put down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position, but Sipp struck out Michael Saunders for the second out. Chris Perez relieved Sipp and struck out Tuiasosopo looking to end the threat.

Chris Perez got four outs for his 18th save of the season.

Notes: Mariners center fielder Franklin Gutierrez was scratched from the lineup before the game because of an illness. Michael Saunders got the start in place of Gutierrez. … P Justin Masterson will miss Sunday’s start to attend to a family matter. Jeanmar Gomez will get the start.