M’s Millwood returns to win column
SEATTLE — Kevin Millwood pitched six stingy innings to win for the first time in 51/2 weeks and the Seattle Mariners beat the staggering Red Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night, handing Boston its eighth defeat in nine games.
Dustin Ackley hit a two-run single in the fourth to back Millwood (5-12), who allowed four hits and one run in his first victory since July 28. The right-hander had gone 1-8 since May 21.
Millwood walked three and struck out three. Tom Wilhelmsen worked the ninth for his 24th save in 27 opportunities.
Eric Thames opened the fourth with a bloop single to left. Mike Carp walked and Casper Wells singled through the left side, loading the bases with nobody out.
After Brendan Ryan popped out, Ackley ripped Aaron Cook’s fastball up the middle.
Cook (3-9) also went six innings, giving up seven hits. He walked three and struck out five.
The last time Cook faced the Mariners on June 29 he threw 88 pitches in a two-hit shutout for his first complete game in more than three years. Since then, he is 1-8. His last victory was Aug. 6.
The Red Sox threatened in the fourth with two outs. Cody Ross, who had three hits, and James Loney reached on singles and Jarrod Saltalamacchia walked. Ryan Lavarnway bounced out to third to end the inning.
Boston finally pushed a run across in the sixth. Jacoby Ellsbury reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second and scored on Loney’s double into the right-field corner.
Seattle’s opponents have scored one run or less in 33 games this season, trailing only the New York Mets (34) for the major league lead. The franchise record is 37 set in 2001.