Nicasio, Diaz a formidable duo at end of games

Diaz K's Ramirez for save CLEVELAND -- The Mariners have racked up close victories at an impressive rate in the first month of the season, and two big reasons are veteran setup man Juan Nicasio and closer Edwin Diaz.

Heading into Friday's second game of a four-game series with the Indians, the Mariners were 10-3 in games decided by two runs or fewer, tied with the Mets and Brewers for the most wins in that situation.

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Not coincidentally, Diaz leads the Majors with 11 saves, and Nicasio has the most holds of any reliever with 10. A hold is awarded to a pitcher who enters a game with his team in the lead in a save situation and turns that lead over to another reliever…