Seattle Cuts Down Texas’ Chances

The Texas Rangers might not be in a must-win situation yet, but they’re hurting their playoff chances with each loss.

Texas managed only three hits Sunday against rookies Cha Seung Baek and Scott Atchison in a 9-0 loss to the last-place Seattle Mariners.

“Any loss at this point is a tough loss,” shortstop Michael Young said. “We realize this loss is not the end of the season, but it does make it tougher on us.”

The Rangers are two games behind the Oakland Athletics in the American League West. Texas plays host to the Angels for four games, beginning tonight. The Angels trail the A’s by one game.

A surprise contender after four consecutive last-place finishes, the Rangers end the regular season next weekend at Seattle.

“What’s shorter than a sprint? A dash. How about a leap?” Manager Buck Showalter said. “There is still an opportunity for us if we keep grinding.”

Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki moved within six of the major league season hits record, finishing one for four with an intentional walk.

His sixth-inning single raised his total to 251 with seven games remaining to reach the record of 257, set by George Sisler in 1920.

Baek (2-4) gave up three hits in eight innings, and Atchison pitched a perfect ninth to complete Seattle’s seventh shutout. Baek escaped a two-on jam in the eighth when he struck out Hank Blalock.

“To shut out this team in this ballpark is impressive. It’s about as good as it gets,” Seattle Manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s nice to do this in a playoff-type atmosphere. It’s not like this makes our season.

“We’re just trying to go out there and win games.”

The Mariners (60-95) are trying to avoid 100 losses three years after winning 116.

First base umpire Ed Montague left before the start of the fifth because of elevated blood pressure.

An official at Arlington Memorial Hospital said Sunday night that Montague had been treated and released.

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Ichiro’s Quest

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The progress of Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki in his pursuit of the single-season major league record for hits, held by George Sisler:

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* Suzuki on Sunday: One for four vs. Texas.

* Suzuki for the season: 251 hits, with seven games remaining.

* Sisler’s record: 257 hits in 1920 for the St. Louis Browns.