Rogers Stops Mariners, 4-3

Kenny Rogers, starting a day after turning down a trade to Cincinnati, pitched eight effective innings, and the Texas Rangers posted a rare victory over the Seattle Mariners, 4-3, Wednesday night.

The Rangers were set to send Rogers to the Reds this week for three minor leaguers, but the left-hander cited family concerns and invoked his no-trade clause.

Seattle had shown interest in acquiring Rogers before Texas worked out the deal with Cincinnati. The Rangers were unwilling to pick up any part of Rogers’ salary in a deal with the Mariners, who have said they don’t want to go over their $90-million payroll.

Rogers (11-5) won for the second time at Safeco Field in his fourth start against the Mariners this season. He beat them, 9-0, with a five-hitter April 19.

In his four starts against Seattle this season, Rogers is 2-0 with an 1.50 earned-run average.

Rogers gave up three runs--two earned--seven hits and one walk.

The Rangers beat the Mariners for the second time in 11 games in 2002. They’re 7-24 against Seattle in the last two seasons.

Frank Catalanotto, who was batting .179 in his previous 15 games, accounted for three of the Rangers’ runs. He homered on the second pitch of the game and had a two-run single in the fifth inning.

The Rangers made it 2-0 in the third against Freddy Garcia (11-7) on a walk to Kevin Mench, Ruben Rivera’s sacrifice and two wild pitches.

Garcia gave up four runs, six hits and four walks, and had three wild pitches in 6 1/3 innings.