Weaver stays winless

CHICAGO – Jeff Weaver is still winless for Seattle.

The lanky right-hander, who pitched the clinching game of the World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals last fall, was poised for his first win Thursday against the Cubs. But reliever Brandon Morrow faltered and Cesar Izturis’ two-run double rallied Chicago to a 5-4 victory.

Weaver, who entered the game winless in six decisions with a 12.46 ERA, gave up three runs in the first but held Chicago without another run over the next five innings.

“Other than (the first inning), I was really happy with execution of the pitches and it’s another step in the right direction,” Weaver said.

Seattle led 4-3 in the eighth when Morrow (3-1), who earlier this month had a string of 18 2/3 scoreless innings snapped, walked the first two batters he faced. Koyie Hill sacrificed them to second and third before Izturis hit a liner down the left-field line to put the Cubs ahead.

Bob Howry (3-3) got the final four outs for the win.

Weaver’s season has been defined by the big inning. The Cubs’ first marked the seventh time this season that Weaver had allowed at least three runs in an inning.

In his last start five days ago – his first since coming off the DL with a sore shoulder – Weaver was forced out after four innings with lower back stiffness.

“When we got past the first inning, everything improved. His stuff, his command, everything,” Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. “We got a real good outing out of him.”

After struggling most of the season in close games, the Cubs have won three of their last four by one run.

“I think it’s starting to reflect more confidence here,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. “We weren’t winning these games earlier in the year. … You’ve got to win the tight games.”

The Mariners have won nine of 12 after dropping two of the three to the Cubs in their first trip to Wrigley Field.