Mariners reliever Carson Smith recorded his fifth blown save of the season in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Twins. With the Mariners leading by one, Smith gave up a double to leadoff the ninth inning.
He was able to retire the next batter on a strikeout, but then uncorked a wild pitch moving the runner to third. After getting the second out, he issued an intentional walk before throwing yet another wild pitch, allowing the tying run to score. Finally, Kurt Suzuki singled in the winning run, giving Smith the blown save and the loss.
Smith (1-5) has picked up a loss in three straight appearances, allowing five earned runs in those games. Nevertheless, manager Lloyd McClendon appears committed to Smith as his closer, claiming the rookie right-hander would get the ball in a possible save chance on Sunday, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.