Mariners Pound Padres, Call up Franklin and Demote Ackley

getty images

Aaron Harang threw a four-hitter, Jason Bay hit his first career leadoff homer and Michael Morse added a three-run shot as part of Seattle's four-run first inning as the Mariners beat the San Diego Padres 9-0 on Monday. Harang (2-5) rebounded from a poor last start against the Angels, allowing a leadoff bloop double to Everth Cabrera and then retiring 18 of the next 19 batters. It was his first complete game since June 4, 2009 and first shutout since April 12, 2009. He struck out a season-high eight and threw 122 pitches.

A day after getting the game-winning hit in the 13th inning against Texas that snapped the Mariners' eight-game losing streak, Bay got Seattle started against San Diego lefty Clayton Richard (0-5).  The M's host the Padres at Safeco Field tonight.

The Mariners have demoted struggling second baseman Dustin Ackley to Triple-A Tacoma, the second young prospect the team has sent down in the last week.Seattle made the move before Monday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Mariners selected rising prospect Nick Franklin from Tacoma to take Ackley's spot on the roster. Seattle also optioned left-handed reliever Lucas Luetge to Tacoma and recalled right-hander Hector Noesi.

Ackley joins Jesus Montero as young players the Mariners were counting on this season who will try to rediscover themselves at the plate in the minors. Ackley was batting.205 and had just six hits since May 7, when his average was at its season high of .255. Franklin was hitting .324 with four homers and 20 RBIs in 39 games with Tacoma.