Mariners Get Ship Back in Right Direction

After three losses in a row knocked them out of first place, the Seattle Mariners rebounded to beat Oakland, 3-2, Sunday and reclaim the American League West lead.

The Mariners took an early lead, then hung on as relievers Arthur Rhodes and Kazuhiro Sasaki pitched 3 2/3 hitless innings in the finale of the four-game series.

“If we would have gotten swept, we would have been down a game and then we’d have to rely on somebody else,” John Olerud said. “Today was a game we had to win.”

The Mariners (87-69), who had won eight straight before losing three in a row to Oakland, take a one-game AL West lead into the final week of the regular season.

“We’re trying to a win a division here,” Manager Lou Piniella said. “We’re not trying to be the wild card.”

The A’s (85-69), who on Saturday reclaimed the division lead for the first time since June 28, are still atop the wild-card standings, one game ahead of Cleveland (84-70).

Oakland goes home for four games against the Angels and three against Texas, then may have to play a makeup at Tampa Bay on Oct. 2.

“I’m not disappointed with this series by any means,” said Oakland Manager Art Howe, who hoped to win three out of four at Safeco Field. “We’re right where we want to be.”

After an off-day today, Seattle has three games at home against the Rangers, then finishes with three games at Anaheim.

“We’ve got two more wins than they [the A’s] have,” Piniella said. “That’s certainly in our favor.”

Seattle’s Alex Rodriguez, who was 0 for 4 Sunday and one for 16 in the series, said: “Our hitting stunk in this series, starting with me. But we won today and every game we win now is important.”

John Halama (13-9) gave up two runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, improving to 9-4 at home.

Rhodes, who got the decision in Saturday’s 8-2 loss, struck out four in two innings, retiring six consecutive batters.

“To tell you the truth, [Saturday] was tough,” said Rhodes, who gave up four runs and three hits and a walk in 1 2/3 innings Saturday. “I couldn’t be down on myself. I had to prove to myself that I could bounce back. Today was a fun day.”

Sasaki got five outs for his 35th save in 38 chances, allowing only a two-out walk to Ben Grieve in the eighth and hitting Ramon Hernandez with a pitch with two outs in the ninth. Terrence Long then grounded into a game-ending forceout.

“Sure, there was a lot of pressure today,” Sasaki said through a translator. “We couldn’t lose. The victory was good. I got a lot of joy because the win was big. The pressure will continue and there will be more joy to come.”

A’s starter Ariel Prieto (1-2) gave up all three runs, six hits and four walks in five innings.