France's Two-Run Homer and Kirby's Strong Start Lift Mariners Past Angels in Doubleheader Opener

SEATTLE — Ty France delivered a two-out, two-run homer in the third inning and rookie right-hander George Kirby worked six solid innings as the Seattle Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.

France drove the pitch from Angels starter Jaime Barria (1-2) into the left-field bullpen, wiping out a one-run deficit created by Mickey Moniak's RBI single in the second inning. The homer was the 300th hit of France's career with the Mariners and his 14th long ball of the season. It came a day after he lined a game-tying single in the ninth inning of a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Angels.

France said the swing showed his timing was right. "That I was able to pull a hanging slider just shows that I was on time for a fastball," he said. "That is the biggest key. If I can get on-time for a fastball, I'm going to be in a good spot, and I feel like I'm getting there again."

Barria, who was making his first start of the season, lasted 4.2 innings. He gave up three hits and two earned runs, walked four and struck out three. After he loaded the bases with back-to-back walks in the fifth, he was removed after 76 pitches. Right-hander Mike Mayers came on and ended the threat by getting Eugenio Suarez to pop out.

Angels interim manager Phil Nevin was encouraged by the outing. "I love what I saw," he said. "Mike was able to come in and get him out of the fifth, but for him to go that far and for those two guys to get the load on this game, it really helps us for Game 2."

Kirby (3-3) recovered from a difficult second inning to allow six hits and one earned run, with no walks and eight strikeouts. It was the third time this season he has gone at least six innings without issuing a walk. The win was his second since the Mariners recalled him from Triple-A Tacoma on July 23. Seattle had optioned him to Tacoma on July 9 to limit the rookie's workload.

Manager Scott Servais praised the pitcher's return. "He's looked great," Servais said. "After we shut him down and gave him a little breather, he has come back and has thrown very well. The velo is still there, the secondary stuff is there, and he has looked strong. That is exactly what we need out of him going forward."

Andres Munoz struck out three in relief, and Erik Swanson pitched the ninth inning to earn his third save.

Seattle also made roster moves around the doubleheader. Outfielder Mitch Haniger, who had been out since April 30 with a high right ankle sprain, was back in the clubhouse before the first game and was activated in time for Game 2. Infielder Abraham Toro was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to open a spot for him.

The Mariners also added left-hander Brennan Bernardino as the 27th man for the doubleheader. Bernardino made his major league debut with Seattle on July 31 at Houston after signing earlier this year out of the Mexican League.