SEATTLE — Mitch Garver hit a go-ahead, solo home run in the seventh inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Angels 2-1 on Friday night for their seventh straight win.
Garver turned on an elevated fastball from reliever Connor Brogdon (3-2) and hit it into the left-field bleachers for his ninth home run of the season. Seattle remained in a tie with the Houston Astros atop the AL West for a second straight night.
The Mariners (80-68) went in front in the fourth inning on a two-out, two-strike RBI double by Jorge Polanco. The switch-hitter kept his hands inside on a fastball from Yusei Kikuchi, cranking it to left to drive in Cal Raleigh, who doubled earlier in the inning.
The Angels (69-79) were held scoreless until the top of the seventh inning, when Logan Davidson tied it with an RBI double off reliever Carlos Vargas (5-5).
After Garver’s homer in the bottom of the seventh, the Mariners’ bullpen made sure it stood, with Andrés Muñoz getting the last three outs for his 35th save of the season.
Key moment: In the sixth inning, right fielder Victor Robles robbed Angels cleanup hitter Taylor Ward of a double that would have likely scored two runs. Instead, the Angels were held scoreless until the seventh inning.
Key stat: Polanco has recorded a double in five consecutive games, tied for the longest active streak in the majors this season. It’s also the longest streak for a Mariners player since Raúl Ibañez from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 in 2004.
Up next: Angels LHP Mitch Farris (1-0, 2.45 ERA) starts Saturday against Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (13-7, 3.02).
TEMPLEGATE tackles Tuesday’s racing confident of banging in a few winners.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
SIXPACK (4.08 Goodwood, nap)
He went down by a nose when backed here last time and has been freshened up since. Conditions should be spot on and his canny trainer James Owen can ready one for a decent pot. Any juice in the ground would be welcome and he has a big chance.
ROACH POWER (2.58 Goodwood, nb)
Looks fully charged up. This is a big drop in class for Michael Wigham’s sprinter and the quirky track is no issue at all.
KODI FIRE (7.45 Wolverhampton, treble)
Is in flying form and has the handicapper on the run. His draw is fine and he has the services of champion jockey-to-be Oisin Murphy on board now.
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Joao Pedro scored his second goal in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
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Trevoh Chalobah was too soft in the backlineCredit: AFP
Summer signing Pedro gave the hosts the lead with a header in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Blues‘ afternoon was made more comfortable as Enzo Fernandez converted from the spot in the 56th minute.
Fulham did have chances as defender Trevoh Chalobah seemed like a weak spot in the backline.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jack Rosserrated the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez will have been relieved that Josh King’s opening goal was ruled out, given he was made to look rather silly with the near post finish.
Other than that, however, the Spaniard had a very, very quiet afternoon with little to do after the first half scare.
Malo Gusto – 6
A couple of fine, flying challenges to stop Fulham on the counter while also supporting the winger in flying forwards whenever he can.
Given how good he can be, it feels like Reece James may take the right-back spot from Gusto soon but the Frenchman is putting forwards a good case at the moment.
A very difficult first half for the Blues defender.
Chalobah was lucky that VAR intervened in the build-up to Fulham’s disallowed goal after he was easily rolled by Rodrigo Muniz.
Christopher Nkunku seals transfer to AC Milan just two years after Chelsea move
He was also easily beaten by Josh King not too long after that. Picked up in the second half.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
A tough battle with former Fulham teammates Muniz and Raul Jimenez a times but led the Blues back four well.
Came close to opening the scoring but could not react to get an effort on target after a corner deflected his way off of Kenny Tete.
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard was fairly untroubled throughout, keeping the danger down his side to a minimum – especially impressive after Adama Traore was thrown on to try and get Fulham back in.
As always, a ball of energy looking to cause trouble going forwards, but little joy on that front this weekend.
Moises Caicedo – 8
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Moises Caicedo impressed in the midfieldCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Despite having trained just once this week since the West Ham game, Caicedo put in another stellar display.
Dominant against a hefty Fulham midfield, the Ecuador international held everything together for the Blues.
And even when the control slipped, Caicedo was there to save the day – making a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Timothy Castange what looked a certain goal minutes before the Blues opened the scoring.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
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Enzo Fernandez converted from the spotCredit: AFP
A bizarre afternoon for the Chelsea captain, who shushed his own fans and raged at the fitness coach at halftime.
Some sloppy play first half but stepped up and helped Chelsea gain a little more control after the break, before pulling rank and keeping his cool to convert the penalty and double the lead.
Estevao – 6
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Estevao put in another bright displayCredit: Getty
Another encouraging afternoon for the teenage winger.
Estevao showed his strength and power with a barge on Ryan Sessengnon in the first half, winning the ball before skipping away and past Calvin Bassey.
End product could do with some work still but plenty to be excited about.
Joao Pedro – 7
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Pedro opened the scoringCredit: Getty
Another week and another goal for Pedro.
The Brazilian found space well and confidently nodded home his second Premier League goal of the season to get things rolling.
Pedro even kept his mouth shut when Enzo Fernandez wanted to claim the penalty and open his account for the campaign, giving his captain a hug for support before the spot kick.
Pedro Neto – 5
A lot of hard work for little reward.
With Alejandro Garnacho watching on and Jamie Gittens already providing competition from the bench – Neto will have to show more if he is to keep his place in the side.
Liam Delap – n/a
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Liam Delap went off injuredCredit: Getty
The striker suffered a huge blow as he went off injured early in the first half.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (Delap, 13′) – 5
Thrown in much earlier than expected after Delap’s early injury and asked to lead the line – not his usual position.
It was a surprise George was even turned to given talks progressing over a move to Roma.
his was not a performance that will add any more to the transfer fee as George struggled to make an impact.
Jamie Gittens (Estevao, 67′) – 6
Offered precious little from the bench, although Chelsea were more seeing out the game rather than pushing desperately for a third goal once Gittens was sent on.
He can land a winning hat-trick for his red-hot trainer Harry Eustace in Sussex today. He had more than a length in hand there last time and it could have been a lot further. He carries a 7lb penalty but rider Kaiya Fraser’s claim takes care of almost half that. He likes this trip on decent ground and can take another step forward.
REQUIEM (2.50 Redcar, nb)
He was just touched off at Haydock last time and Sir Mark Prescott’s runners usually improve for the hike in distance he gets today.
JET BLACK (3.50 Redcar, treble)
Can land another winner for in-form Andrew Balding. She got no luck when second on handicap debut at Nottingham 18 days ago, going down by less than a length. A repeat of that would be good enough to score.
ALFAREQA (3.00 Leicester, Lucky 15)
Looked a nice prospect when winning on comeback at Doncaster last month. She kept on strongly over 7f so this mile should be ideal. The Frankel filly is having just her third run so there’s a lot more to come.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
