SEATTLE — The cost of back-to-back, tense victories against the San Francisco Giants over the weekend to win a series came due in the sixth inning late Monday night against the Mariners.

A strong run into the sixth by starter Miles Mikolas hit its only speedbump with a two-run lead at stake and limited available right-handed pitchers out of the bullpen. The need to hold and secure close games this past weekend meant the Cardinals did not have their usual assortment of late-inning right-handers. They would need someone to step into a new lane and thrive.

That is where the game ruptured.

The Mariners scored four runs in the decisive sixth inning against reliever Gordon Graceffo and then held on from there for a 4-2 victory at T-Mobile Field. Josh Naylor’s two-run double was the difference

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