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M’s rally in 12th to take victory

A's starting pitcher Barry Zito fires pitch in Wednesday's game, at Safeco Field. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Jim Cour Associated Press
A's starting pitcher Barry Zito fires pitch in Wednesday's game, at Safeco Field. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

SEATTLE – Richie Sexson’s two-out single to left field score Ichiro Suzuki from second base with the winning run as the Seattle Mariners rallied for two runs in the bottom of 12th inning to take 5-4 victory over the Oakland A’s Wednesday night.

Randy Winn tied the game at Safeco Field with an RBI single with one out in the inning.

Eddie Guardado got the victory in relief despite giving up the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th.

Boone in lineup

Bret Boone was back in the Seattle Mariners lineup Wednesday night after being benched for four games to work with hitting coach Don Baylor on his mechanics.

Boone, the Mariners’ regular second baseman, was inserted into the sixth spot in the lineup. Jose Lopez, who replaced Boone at second, was not in the lineup.

“This isn’t a tryout for Bret,” manager Mike Hargrove said before the game with the Oakland Athletics. “Bret was our second baseman before and he’s still our regular second baseman.”

A three-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner, Boone is hitting .227 with five home runs and 29 RBIs in 64 games this season. He began this season with a .268 career batting average.

Boone had his best season in 2001, when the Mariners tied the major league record with 116 victories, hitting .331 with 37 homers and 141 RBIs, all career highs.

Boone, 36, said he thought he worked out his hitting problems under the supervision of Baylor.

“We had a good few days,” he said. “But you can never tell until you go out there in a game situation.”

Boone has been lunging at the ball this season.

“You need to be in the right position,” he said. “If you don’t get in the right position, you’re going to be in trouble.”

Boone said he wouldn’t feel any extra pressure from Seattle’s fans now that he’s playing again.

“I play for the people in the locker room,” he said, “the other players, the coaches, the manager, the people in the organization.”

Hargrove said he just wanted Boone to be comfortable at the plate again.

“I’m glad he’s back,” he said. “The work that Bret’s done will hopefully pay off.”