Fast Break

Ex-Mariner Marzano dies

Former major leaguer John Marzano died Saturday after falling down a flight of stairs at his home in Philadelphia. He was 45. The cause of his death was not immediately clear, police said.

Marzano was from Philadelphia and had been working for Major League Baseball’s Web site, where he co-hosted a show weekday mornings.

Marzano played 10 seasons in the big leagues for Boston, Texas and Seattle before retiring in 1998. Marzano was popular in Seattle for his altercation with New York Yankees outfielder Paul O’Neill during a game in 1996.

The two traded punches at home plate after O’Neill took exception to a knockdown pitch by Tim Davis.

Huskies lose another player

University of Washington says 6-foot-5 freshman center Kali Bennett has decided to leave the Huskies women’s basketball program.

Bennett is the fourth player from the six-member Washington 2007 recruiting class to depart first-year coach Tia Jackson’s program.

The previous Huskies to leave were Candice Nichols, Jess McCormack and leading scorer Katelan Redmon, a Lewis and Clark graduate. Redmond transferred to Gonzaga.

All four players were recruited by former Washington coach June Daugherty, who is now at Washington State.

Bennett’s mother, Chris Bennett, told the Seattle Times that her daughter wants to transfer to Washington State.

Bennett, from Ventura, Calif., averaged 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 30 games.