Rockies come up short in 7-2 loss to Mariners
An error by Elias and two walks loaded the bases with no outs, and DJ LeMahieu's fielder's choice and Arenado's sacrifice fly each drove in a run, giving Colorado two runs and a total of one hit through the first six innings.
Elias was pulled during that sixth inning, having allowed two unearned runs and one hit while striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings.
Colorado starter Yohan Flande (3-3) had an even shorter night, leaving the game after the Mariners scored twice in the fourth inning.
The second run started when Nolan Arenado's throwing error allowed Shawn O'Malley to reach third base with one out, and he scored on a squeeze bunt by John Hicks to give Seattle a 4-0 lead.
Cruz's two-run homer in the seventh was his 41st, tying Baltimore's Chris Davis for the major league lead.
Gutierrez started in left field, his first start since leaving the game on Sept. 4 with a strained right groin. ...
Rockies: RHP Kyle Kendrick (5-12, 6.25 ERA) will start the series finale Sunday, his third start since coming off the disabled list (right shoulder).