Castillo's Gem Extends Mariners' Starting Pitching Dominance

Luis Castillo's masterful performance on the mound propelled the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, extending the Mariners' remarkable streak of starting pitching dominance.

Castillo, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in a blockbuster trade, delivered a gem, retiring the final 11 batters he faced and allowing only three hits. His stellar outing marked the 18th consecutive game in which Mariners starters have surrendered two earned runs or fewer, a franchise record.

The Mariners' bullpen, which has been a source of strength all season, held on for the win despite a late rally by the Braves. Ryne Stanek allowed three singles in the eighth inning, but Andrés Muñoz came on in relief and escaped a bases-loaded jam, striking out two batters to end the inning. Muñoz then pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.

Seattle's offense provided Castillo with early support, as Jorge Polanco launched a two-run homer in the third inning. Dylan Moore added another run in the fourth with an RBI double.

The Braves, who entered the game with the second-best offense in MLB, were held in check by Castillo's pinpoint control and sharp breaking pitches. Atlanta's only runs came on an RBI single by Ozzie Albies in the eighth and a throwing error by Muñoz that allowed Jarred Kelenic to score.

With the win, the Mariners improved to 11-3 in their last 14 games and have won five straight series. They remain atop the AL West standings, while the Braves dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.

Tags: #LuisCastillo, #SeattleMariners, #AtlantaBraves, #StartingPitching, #Bullpen