The Seattle Mariners headed into Wednesday night's series finale looking to end a two-game skid and salvage a chance of splitting the four-game series against the Texas Rangers. For most of the game it looked like they'd come up short once again, but a burst of offense in the final inning resulted in a come-from-behind 4-3 win. Now the worst-case scenario will be that they will enter their opening homestand with a .500 record.
The Rangers got the scoring started right away in the bottom of the first inning when Josh Hamilton doubled and Michael Young singled him home. The score stood 1-0 until the bottom of the seventh inning, when the Rangers tacked on two more runs with back-to-back solo home runs off of Steve Delabar by Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus.
Seattle scored their first run of the game in the top of the eighth inning. No. 9 hitter John Jaso led off the inning with a triple and Dustin Ackley was able to single him home after Chone Figgins struck out swinging. Ichiro Suzuki then grounded into a double play and the M's were left with three outs to pull off the win.
Lucas Luetge retired the side in the bottom of the eighth inning, only giving up a single to Young. The Mariners bats went to work right away with a leadoff single by Justin Smoak, followed by a double from Kyle Seager. Smoak came home and pinch-runner Munenori Kawasaki advanced to third on a Jesus Montero sacrifice fly. Kawasaki scored the tying run on a double by Michael Saunders. Saunders stole third during Brendan Ryan's at-bat, but Ryan struck out swinging. Jaso once again came through, however, knocking in the tying run with a single before Figgins struck out swinging for the second time to end the inning.
Brandon League came on for the save and although he allowed the tying run to get into scoring position on a single and wild pitch, sealed the win for the M's by striking out Kinsler and getting Andrus to line out to Smoak at first base.
In all, a fabulous and well-earned win with contributions up and down the lineup, not to mention a quality start by Kevin Millwood, who went six innings, allowing just one run on four hits and three walks, while striking out seven.
The Mariners improve to 4-3 on the season and have a chance to reclaim first place in the AL West with another win Thursday afternoon.
For all news and information regarding the Seattle Mariners, please visit Lookout Landing. For updates and perspective on the Texas Rangers, head on over to Lonestar Ball or check out SB Nation Dallas.
