Sexson, M’s finally give Moyer support
SEATTLE – Richie Sexson came through with a clutch hit, Seattle’s offense finally gave Jamie Moyer some run support and fiery Eddie Guardado pitched a perfect ninth inning.
Maybe these Seattle Mariners won’t be an afterthought in the A.L. West.
Sexson capped a five-run fifth inning with his second grand slam of the season, and Moyer won for the first time in four starts as Seattle extended its winning streak to a season-high four games with an 8-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.
Less than a week ago, Seattle was a season-worst eight games under .500 after getting swept in three games by Oakland. Now, the Mariners have put together their longest win streak since July 7-10 last season when they swept a four-game series against the Angels.
“We’re still in this thing and we’re excited about that. We just got to get on a roll and find a way to string together some,” said Sexson, who hit a changeup from Baltimore starter Erik Bedard an estimated 421 feet to right-center. “I told the guys, ‘Just keep it close and once I get going, we’ll be a lot better.’ “
Hurt by a lack of run support all season, Moyer got just enough offense from his teammates to earn his first victory since April 30.
Jose Lopez hit a two-run homer in the first inning, the first time Seattle’s offense had scored with Moyer on the mound since May 5 – a span of 15 innings. Entering the game, the Mariners had scored just 14 runs this season while Moyer was in the game.
Seattle didn’t score more than four runs for Moyer (2-4) in any of his nine previous starts. Afterward, he continued to take the high road and not criticize the previous lack of production by his offense.
“I’m happy to see us as a team scoring runs and swinging the bat and doing a lot of good things offensively,” Moyer said. “It’s nice to see it all working together and us doing it all at once.”
Guardado pitched a perfect ninth for his first save since April 30, after losing the closer’s job to J.J. Putz. It was Guardado’s fifth save in eight chances this year. He got Javy Lopez swinging for the final out – his bat slipped out of his hands and sailed into the Orioles’ dugout.
Miguel Tejada homered for Baltimore, which lost its ninth straight road game. The Orioles last road win was April 27 in Toronto.
“We just couldn’t get the big hit,” Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo said.
Jose Lopez’s homer was his seventh, and his infield single in the fifth scored Yuniesky Betancourt for his 37th RBI, tops among all second basemen.
Clearing the bases
Red Sox left-hander David Wells is set to pitch again Friday night after spending most of the season on the disabled list with a right knee injury. … The Milwaukee Brewers recalled right-hander Carlos Villanueva from Double-A Huntsville. … The New York Mets will recall right-hander Alay Soler from Double-A Binghamton and he is expected to make his major league debut against Philadelphia later this week. … The Florida Marlins activated outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Robert Andino to Triple-A Albuquerque. … Minnesota Twins left fielder Shannon Stewart was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left foot injury. … Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield went 1 for 3 with an RBI during a minor league rehab game to test his injured left hand, then left for Boston to join the club. A decision on whether to activate Sheffield will be made today.