Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby walked in the dugout after pitching through seven innings against the Twins on Thursday. (Lindsey Wasson, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Impact player

George Kirby, Seattle

He outpitched fellow All-Star righthander Pablo López, giving up four hits and striking out 10 over seven innings — his AL-best 15th quality start of the season.

By the numbers

26 Balls among Kirby's 99 pitches; he didn't walk a batter for the ninth time this season.

36 Pitches López needed to get through the first inning, when he only gave up one run and left the bases loaded.

3 Batters hit by Jorge López in the eighth inning, the first time three Mariners batters have been hit in a single inning.

about the writer

Phil Miller

Reporter

Phil Miller has covered the Twins for the Star Tribune since 2013. Previously, he covered the University of Minnesota football team, and from 2007-09, he covered the Twins for the Pioneer Press.

More from Twins

Sports

Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff opener

Sports

Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff opener

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on his first playoff swing in four years and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night.

Sports

Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles 1-0 to open an AL Wild Card Series

Sports

Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles 1-0 to open an AL Wild Card Series

Sports

Mets continue wild ride with 8-4 win over Brewers in playoff opener

Sports

Mets continue wild ride with 8-4 win over Brewers in playoff opener

Sports

Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff opener

Sports

Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff opener

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on his first playoff swing in four years and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night.