Mariners embracing small-ball tactics ahead of opener vs. Rays

After one series in charge by Dan Wilson, there's already one noticeable change for the Seattle Mariners under their new manager.

They're no longer waiting for a three-run homer.

The Mariners employed small-ball tactics Sunday in defeating the visiting San Francisco Giants 4-3, taking two of three games in the interleague series.

They'll look to continue that trend when they open a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night in Seattle.

The Mariners stole five bases and even dropped down a sacrifice bunt on Sunday.

"We did what we had to do today and grinded out a ‘W,' and that's big," said Wilson, who replaced the fired Scott Servais last week.

The Mariners improved to 53-11 when scoring at least four runs.

Even catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the team with 27 homers and 79 RBIs, welcomes the new approach.

"It's little things like that that win games," Raleigh said. "Whether it's bunting, base running ... it's always good when you're creating offense, and it's not always necessarily home runs or doubles in the gap. That is offense as well, and it puts pressure on the defense, and it worked out for us (Sunday)."

Dylan Moore was moved into the leadoff spot when Luke Raley was scratched shortly before the game with flu-like symptoms. Moore had one hit, one run, two walks and three stolen bases.

"It sets the tone early in a game, and we're able to swipe a couple bags, get ourselves out of a double play and into scoring position," Wilson said. "I thought it made a statement early. These guys were aggressive, and I loved it."

Right-hander Bryan Woo allowed two runs over seven innings to earn the victory against the Giants, whom he grew up rooting for in the Bay Area.

"He's got all the talent in the world; (he's) really, really special," Raleigh said of Woo (6-2).

The Rays lost 3-1 to the host Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday despite a strong start from lefty Jacob Lopez, who was called up from Triple-A Durham as Shane Baz couldn't go because of the flu. Lopez allowed two hits and one run over five innings.

"He was outstanding. I was happy for him," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "He got in a good spot, had a good rhythm and pitched with confidence."

Monday's series opener is scheduled to feature a pair of right-handers in the Rays' Ryan Pepiot (7-5, 3.65 ERA) and the Mariners' Bryce Miller (9-7, 3.32).

Pepiot is 3-0 over his past four starts. He took a no-decision June 26 in a 5-2 loss at home to the M's in his only previous appearance against them despite allowing just one run on one hit in 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts.

Miller is 3-0 over his past eight starts since his last loss June 29. He's 0-1 with a 7.56 ERA in two career starts against the Rays.

--Field Level Media