Mariners 9, Indians 3
Josh Bard had four hits, including his first career grand slam, as the Seattle Mariners cruised to a 9-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.
Bard, who came into the game hitting just .222 in 45 career at-bats with the bases loaded, deposited a Hector Ambriz offering into the right-field seats for his third home run of the season. It capped a five-run fifth inning that turned a 2-2 tie into a 7-2 Seattle advantage.
Bard finished a triple short of the cycle while registering his first four-hit game since Sept. 26, 2007.
Russell Branyan and Casey Kotchman also went deep for the Mariners, who have won six of eight.
The offensive outburst made a winner out of Jason Vargas (9-5), who has victories in each of his last three starts. Vargas surrendered three runs on five hits over seven innings, walking three and striking out four.
Cleveland starter Mitch Talbot (8-10) was dreadful in his return from the disabled list, allowing six runs on eight hits over four innings of work.
Jayson Nix led the Indians attack with a pair of hits, including a two-run homer.