As League falters, Mariners lose

PEORIA, Ariz. – Brandon League didn’t help his chances for securing the Seattle Mariners’ closer job while David Ardsma is out.

League failed to hold a one-run lead in the ninth inning Friday, and the Mariners lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-5.

League gave up four runs – two earned – on one hit, three walks and a wild pitch. League allowed the first five Arizona batters he faced to reach base.

“That’s just the situation we’re in with our bullpen, with all the uncertainty and obviously all the competition. There’s so many roles open right now,” manager Eric Wedge said, remaining noncommittal about who would close with Aardsma still rehabbing from hip surgery.

The M’s loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth but didn’t score.

Milton Bradley hit a two-run home run in the third inning and infielder Luis Rodriguez, a Mariners roster hopeful, hit a solo home run in the second.