SEATTLE — Boston Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez was on the verge of a no-hitter Friday night against the Seattle Mariners, but the dream ended when Josh Naylor lined a double into the right-center gap with one out in the seventh inning, giving Seattle its first hit of the game.
The trouble began when Suarez opened the seventh by walking Cal Raleigh to lead off the inning. Julio Rodríguez then flew out, but Naylor followed with the double that ended any hopes of the historic outing.
Despite the setback, Boston held a commanding 5-0 lead after plating four runs in the top of the seventh inning.
Suarez had been dominant early, retiring the first 10 batters he faced before issuing a walk to Raleigh in the fourth inning. He responded to that threat by striking out Rodríguez and getting Naylor to line out to second base.
The 30-year-old southpaw is in his first year with Boston, having spent the previous eight seasons with Philadelphia. In each of his final two years with the Phillies, he posted a 12-8 record.
