After scoring 12 runs in their previous two games in San Diego, the Seattle Mariners' bats went silent Thursday in Oakland as the A's got the win in the opener of a four-game series by a score of 4-0. The A's weaknesses are their defense and bullpen, and the Mariners couldn't use those weaknesses against the A's on this night as they had a tough time at the plate.

Scott Kazmir got the start for Oakland and he spun a gem vs. a downtrodden Seattle offense. Kazmir went eight shutout innings giving up just two hits and striking out seven Mariners hitters while not walking a batter. The A's southpaw had it working again Thursday night as he continued his solid 2015 campaign.

Roenis Elias took the hill for Seattle and labored through six innings, but in the end it turned out to be a solid outing. He lasted six innings and gave up just three runs on three hits while striking out seven and walking one. It looked like it was going to be another long night for Elias after the A's scored twice in the first inning, but he settled in and kept this game within reach.

In that first inning, Elias got two quick outs, but then a walk and two doubles got him into trouble. The second double was one of the the RBI variety by Josh Phegley that scored Ben Zobrist who walked, and Billy Butler who hit the first double to make it 2-0 A's after the one inning of play. 

The A's tacked another one on in the bottom of the fifth behind a solo home run by Marcus Semien. Finally in the seventh, Oakland got added on one more run, this time off of Mariners reliever Tom Wilhelmsen who has given up at least one run in five of his last seven appearances.

The Mariners tallied just two hits, both by Franklin Gutierrez who as of about a week ago was playing in Triple-A Tacoma. There was just no run support at all for Elias, but credit Kazmir who had his 'A' game once again. Oakland had six hits total and they were able to get the job done and let Kazmir do the rest. Elias is one of the league leaders in starters that get the least amount of run suppoort which has to be at least a bit frustrating for a starter in just his second year as a Major Leaguer.

The series continues Friday in Oakland with J.A. Happ getting the start for Seattle facing Jesse Chavez for the A's.

WP: Scott Kazmir (5-5, 2.56 ERA)

LP: Roenis Elias (4-6, 4.27 ERA)