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Seattle Mariners

Mariners Noon Number: 39

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco, left, watches as Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano hits a home run during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

Robinson Canó hit his 39th career home run as a Seattle Mariner at Safeco Field in the bottom of the first inning in the M’s 8-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.

That home run broke a tie with Jose Lopez to move into sole possession of ninth place on the all-time list of home runs as a Mariner at Safeco Field. Up next? John Olerud at 42.

Along with fellow slugger Nelson Cruz, Cano is heating up while the bullpen continues to melt down. In last 13 games, is batting .327 (17 for 52) with 11 runs, three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI.

Cano has now recorded 13 RBI in his last 15 games and has reached base safely in 25 games this season, tied for third in the A.L.

That stands in stark contrast with the first 15 games of the season when he hit .220 (13 for 59).

Cruz extended his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games. During his streak, he is hitting .465 (20 for 43) with 10 runs, four doubles, five home runs and 17 RBI. The streak is tied for third-longest of his career.

Now, if the bullpen can only manage to get some outs in the sixth and seventh innings the Mariners might be on to something.