Yu Darvish, who is often prone to sloppy starts, got off to a hot start for four innings Sunday, but then saw his game fall apart over the next four innings.
In the end, the Texas Rangers lost 4-3 to the Seattle Mariners. But the loss went to the Rangers’ reliever and Darvish didn’t record another loss.
Darvish walked four of the Mariners, tied for the highest number of walks he has given up in a game this season. He struck out seven, which is among the lower strikeout figures he has recorded this season.
Of the first 12 batters Darvish faced through four innings, he only allowed two to get to base and they were stranded there. But of the next 18 he faced, nine reached base and three scored.
Manager Ron Washington said, “He lost command…. After we got into the fifth inning, he got erratic with his command. But he was also able to pitch out of trouble.”
The Rangers still lead the American League West, but the Oakland Athletics are only a half-game behind.
