Offense Cleans Up After Bullpen Again Davis’ Two-Run Single In Ninth Rallies Mariners To 8-7 Victory Over Twins

Seattle rallied to win for the 25th time this season Wednesday night when Russ Davis hit a two-run single with one out in the ninth inning to give the Mariners an 8-7 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The victory kept the Mariners 1-1/2 games in front of second-place Anaheim in the A.L. West. The Angels defeated Detroit 5-3 Wednesday night for their ninth straight win.

The Mariners, who scored five runs in the eighth to take a 6-3 lead, needed to come from behind again after the Twins scored four times in the top of the ninth.

In Seattle’s half, Rick Aguilera (1-1) gave up a leadoff single to Edgar Martinez, who was lifted for Rich Amaral. Rob Ducey blooped a single and Dan Wilson sacrificed. Aguilera then intentionally walked Paul Sorrento to load the bases, and Davis came through by singling to right-center on the first pitch.

Davis went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs.

Scott Sanders (3-6) got credit for the victory despite allowing Minnesota’s go-ahead run in the ninth.

After Marty Cordova’s two-run homer chased Seattle starter Jeff Fassero in the ninth, the Twins took a 7-6 lead on Paul Molitor’s RBI single. It was Molitor’s 93rd career RBI against the Mariners.

Fassero allowed seven hits in 8-1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out seven.

Minnesota starter Rich Robertson allowed one run and six hits in six innings.

Frankie Rodriguez had his first blown save of the season. It was the Twins’ 11th blown save. Their bullpen has an 8.61 ERA in six games against Seattle.