Torrens' 2-run single helps Seattle sweep stumbling A's

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Manager Scott Servais saved the run differential talk for another day, preferring to reference Seattle's “fun differential.”

His Mariners are winning in a variety of ways and finding a nice groove at the right time.

Luis Torrens hit a tiebreaking two-run single, Chris Flexen stayed solid into the seventh inning and Seattle swept a two-game series against the Oakland Athletics with a 5-1 win Tuesday.

“Somebody just told me our run differential was minus-nine on this trip but our fun differential was about plus-90,” Servais said, smiling. “We're going with that.”

"It's definitely higher than our run differential, that's for sure," catcher Tom Murphy said as Seattle wrapped up an eight-game, three-city road trip at 6-2.

The A’s managed three straight singles in the first against Flexen (11-5), who settled in and struck out five over 6 2/3 innings. He allowed six hits and walked one, and the Mariners improved to 17-7 in his outings.

Mitch Moreland hit an RBI single for Oakland in the first before Jarred Kelenic tied it at 1 with a single of his own in the second. Kelenic also doubled home Murphy in the eighth and scored on Dylan Moore's single.

Elvis Andrus hit a two-out double in the seventh and Mark Canha walked to chase Flexen, but Oakland came up empty. Starling Marte hit a high fly against Drew Steckenrider, who earned his sixth save.

The A's, who went to the playoffs the past three seasons, are trying to find the familiar fun they've known so well.

Oakland lost its fourth straight game — all but Tuesday's result by two or fewer runs — and eighth in 10 following a 12-3 stretch.

“We’re putting too much pressure on every facet that we have right now. Not a lot of room for error,” manager Bob...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Torrens-2-run-single-helps-Seattle-sweep-16409429.php