Kuma’s career-high 16th win keeps Mariners rolling

ANAHEIM — For Hisashi Iwakuma, his 16th win was sweet indeed for the Mariners on Wednesday night. Not only did the 35-year-old reach a new career high for victories in his fifth season in the Majors, he kept Seattle smack in the hunt for a postseason spot by propelling the club to its eighth straight victory.

“Yes, individually that’s a big accomplishment,” Iwakuma said through translator Antony Suzuki. “Sixteen wins here is something new for me. But this win goes to the team. The team played great defense today. We’re on a very good roll right now, and I give a lot of credit to the team.”

But this Mariners club knows Iwakuma has been a huge part of its success. He has been the glue for a rotation that has used 13 different starters this season. He is the lone starter who hasn’t missed a turn and he’s provided a steady hand while racking up a 16-11 record and 3.87 ERA in 30 outings.

“He has, all year, been our most consistent guy,” said manager Scott Servais. “He’s taken the ball every fifth day, given us a chance to win and I think a lot of him, for how he goes about his business. He leads in his own way. He’s not the vocal leader, but the guys really look up to him.”

“He’s been …

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