Franklin's impressive rookie season continues

BOSTON -- Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin continues putting together an impressive rookie campaign, capped by a two-homer day in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Twins.

Going into Tuesday's series opener against the Red Sox, Franklin was tied with Daniel Murphy of the Mets for the Major League lead in RBIs since the All-Star break with 13 in 10 games.

Murphy had played two more games than Franklin, who topped all American League players in that category, one ahead of Michael Bourn of the Indians, Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays and Wil Myers of the Rays.

Though Franklin wasn't called up until May 27, he already has posted a pair of two-homer games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he and Michael Young (2001 with the Rangers) are the only second basemen in the last 48 years to have a pair of multiple home run games in their rookie seasons.

The last second baseman to do that before Young was Houston's Joe Morgan in 1965.

In his first 52 games in the Majors, Franklin hit .277 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs and his .492 slugging percentage is second on the team behind Raul Ibanez's .535.