Cameron Keeps Mariners in Mix

Mike Cameron hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners once again rallied to stave off elimination, beating Oakland, 3-2, Wednesday night and preventing the Athletics from winning the American League West.

With four games left, the Mariners (92-66) still have a chance to catch the Angels (96-62) in the wild-card chase. The Angels lost at Texas, 4-3.

Seattle won its fourth in a row. On Tuesday night, the Mariners scored four times in the eighth to overcome Oakland, 8-7.

Cameron hit his 24th homer with one out after a single by Bret Boone against Jim Mecir (6-4).

Ricardo Rincon replaced Tim Hudson and struck out John Olerud. Mecir replaced Rincon and gave up the single to Boone.

Arthur Rhodes (10-4) got the victory, with Kazuhiro Sasaki getting two out for his 37th save in 44 opportunities.

Hudson outpitched Jamie Moyer before leaving after making 92 pitches.

In seven innings, Hudson gave up a run and eight hits, walked one and had three strikeouts. He hit a batter.

Moyer went seven innings and gave up two runs and six hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Scott Hatteberg hit a two-run homer for Oakland in the third inning.

The A’s took a 2-0 lead in the third when Ramon Hernandez opened with a single and Hatteberg homered to center. It was his 15th homer.

The Mariners scored in the fifth when rookie Willie Bloomquist singled, stole second, went to third on catcher Hernandez’s throwing error and Olerud’s single.

Hatteberg and Boone each had three hits.