Mariners’ hot streak continues

SEATTLE – So far, the Seattle Mariners are looking far different than the one that has finished last in the American League West the past three seasons.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and Miguel Batista (3-2) allowed two solo home runs and little else in 7 1/3 innings of the surging Mariners’ 3-2 victory over the sagging Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

It was the seventh win in eight games for Seattle – all since a six-game losing streak during a bizarre, weather-plagued April.

Now, after Jose Guillen also homered and Raul Ibanez had an RBI double that scored Jose Vidro before Betancourt’s homer, maybe it’s time to say it: This isn’t the same, wilting bunch that has finished last in the West for three consecutive seasons.

“This is definitely a different team,” said Ibanez, who had four RBIs in the two-game series sweep of a White Sox team that has lost four consecutive games.

“It’s definitely a different club offensively. Vidro and Guillen definitely make our lineup more legitimate. … You wouldn’t think two guys would add that much, but they have.”

Betancourt’s addition has been power, following an off-season of weight training that made his upper body larger. He has three homers this year. The shortstop known for his slick fielding had nine in 217 career games entering the season.

Betancourt insists he’s not becoming a power hitter.

“Yeah, I’m going to keep saying that,” he said. “But if I keep making good contact, the ball is going to fly.”

It did when he hit a 1-0 fastball into Seattle’s bullpen beyond left field off rookie John Danks (0-4).

“M’s manager Mike Hargrove announced that Felix Hernandez will not start at Yankee Stadium on Friday as anticipated. The 21-year-old right-hander is now tentatively scheduled to pitch May 9 at Detroit.