Luis Severino falls in the first inning on Tuesday night after throwing a pitch. (Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics and Seattle Mariners were back in action on Tuesday night in West Sacramento for game two of a three-game series. Led by Luis Severino and their offense, the A’s defeated the Mariners 6-1 at Sutter Health Park.

Luis Severino turned in his best outing in Sacramento since arriving in free agency during the offseason. It wasn’t a spotless outing for Severino, who labored in the first and fourth innings, but it was a much improved showing compared to his previous appearances. All in, Severino tossed five innings of one-run, five-hit baseball. He also walked two and struck out six Mariners hitters.

The first inning didn’t get off to a good start for Severino. Yet, he was able to bounce back. Severino slipped and fell on the mound on his second and third pitches of the game in what appeared to be a grip issue with the foot he toed the rubber with.

“Yeah, I think me and the mound don’t like each other,” Luis Severino said after the game. “… going on there I dunno. Yeah, I just slipped. I feel like the mound is on top, it’s dry and then we dig out and it’s wet. So just those two pitches there, but after that everything was good.”

After Severino got out of the first inning, it was pretty smooth sailing until the fourth, when he gave up a run. A single, stolen base, and a double later, the Mariners would score their first run and only run. However, Luis beared down and managed to get out of the inning without surrendering anything more. Severino was aided by a tremendous play by his rookie shortstop Darell Hernaiz to end the fourth inning on a scorcher right back up the middle.

“Unbelievable play up there. I told him after that inning that I owe him something. I need to buy him something because of that… maybe some shoes or something that he likes.”

Darell Hernaiz spoke with the media afterward about his thought process making the play to get Severino out of the jam in the fourth inning.

“That was a tough play. I mean, it was kind of instincts and thankfully it worked out, but no, that’s a really hard play and thankfully I was just able to make the play.”

A’s manager Mark Kotsay also heaped praise on the young shortstop after the game.

“Yeah, I think that [Hernaiz play] was the turning point in the game really. Bases loaded there in the fourth. They had a lot of momentum, and that play is one that is very difficult. It’s a short hop up the middle. And for Darryl to come here, we’ve heard a lot about how well he’s playing in Triple-A and being very consistent on both ends of the baseball. I thought Darryl did a great job tonight…”

The A’s offense did a lot of the talking for the club as they scored six runs after only managing one on Monday night. The A’s put up four runs in the third inning and two in the fifth en route to their 6-1 victory. The offense was highlighted by a Brent Rooker three-run homer in the third inning and a Shea Langeliers solo shot in the fifth. Miguel Andujar also had two RBI doubles in the contest.

With the win, the A’s improved to 47-63 on the season and are winners in five of their last six games. The Mariners fell to 57-51 on the season with the loss.

On Wednesday, the A’s and Mariners will face off in the final game of the three-game series. Jeffrey Springs (9-7, 4.13 ERA) is scheduled to start for the A’s, and the Mariners will counter with Bryan Woo (8-9, 2.91 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.