Christian Bergman delivered exactly what the Mariners needed Wednesday night by bolstering an injury-depleted rotation and allowing a beleaguered bullpen an opportunity to catch its breath.
Bergman pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings in a 4-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field for his first big-league victory as a starter since Sept. 21, 2014.
The Mariners didn’t do a lot offensively. But enough. They got a gift run in the first inning when Oakland right fielder Matt Joyce misplayed a ball. Jean Segura then highlighted a three-run fifth inning with a two-run single.
Bergman (1-1) exited with a two-hit shutout after issuing a one-out walk in the eighth inning.