George Kirby gave up four home runs through the third inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 7-3 loss against the Texas Rangers on Monday at Globe Life Field.
The defeat marked Seattle's third loss in the four-game series against Texas, who currently lead the American League West.
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Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed frustration, saying, "We had different aspirations coming in here, and it didn't turn out that way.
And we've got to turn it up."
Wilson added, "We need to find a way, and find a way to get Ws. This is the time of year where we have to get done."
The Rangers clinched the season series against Seattle, which finished 1-6 at Arlington, including a three-game sweep in April.
Kirby entered the game with six consecutive quality starts and a 2.61 ERA, and had been dominant against the Rangers since his rookie season with a 9-1 record and 1.33 ERA in 12 career starts versus Texas.
Reflecting on his struggles, Kirby said, "There was a lot of just poor two-strike execution.
I feel like I could kind of get it to where I wanted to early in the count, and then with two strikes, damage.
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I kind of just left a lot of things middle."
Joc Pederson hit home runs on his first two at-bats, setting the tone for the Rangers' offense.
Additional home runs came from Ezequiel Duran and Jake Burger in the third inning.
Kirby admitted regret, stating, "I want all those at-bats back.
I just had good opportunities to strike people out -- 0-2, 1-2, and just left the ball over the middle of the plate.
So, 99 percent of the time, that doesn't happen."
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The Mariners, now 52-55, head to Dodger Stadium to face the two-time defending champions.
