Bryce Miller Endures Historic Back-to-Back Defeats as Mariners Suffer 19-2 Loss to Cubs

Seattle right-hander Bryce Miller recorded his second consecutive start loss by at least 17 runs when the Chicago Cubs routed the Mariners 19-2 in Seattle. The defeat followed a 22-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers five days earlier, making Miller only the fourth pitcher in major-league history to lose consecutive starts by such a margin, and the first to do so since George Van Haltren in 1890, according to ESPN research.

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Miller entered the Cubs game with a 4-8 record and a 4.12 earned-run average for the season. He has now lost eight straight starts for Seattle, surrendering 27 earned runs over his last 30 2/3 innings. In the 19-2 loss, he issued three consecutive two-out walks in the third inning, allowed a grand slam to Ian Happ, walked a career-high seven batters, and was charged with six runs in 4 1/3 innings. The previous start against Milwaukee produced a similar line, with five earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

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The Mariners, now 62-69, remain in contention for a postseason berth, sitting three games behind the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers for the American League West lead.

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Miller described the recent month as “frustrating” and said he must return to his usual form, while downplaying a recent lat-muscle issue as an excuse. Manager Dan Wilson indicated that the organization is evaluating all options, including a possible move to the bullpen for Miller. Backup catcher Jhonny Pereda contributed to the damage in the eighth inning, allowing seven runs, including a grand slam by Pedro Ramírez.

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The twin blowouts have placed additional pressure on Seattle’s rotation and highlighted the difficulty of maintaining a postseason push with a struggling starter. Despite the setbacks, the team’s position three games back keeps the race open, but continued poor outings from Miller could force strategic adjustments as the season progresses.

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