• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Pineda leads Mariners past Rays

Jul 31, 2011 - 1:25 AM Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Michael Pineda gave up just one hit over 6 1/3 innings to guide the Mariners past the Rays, 3-2, in the second tilt of a three-game series at Safeco Field.

Pineda (9-7), who carried a no-hitter through 5 2/3 innings, gave up two runs -- one earned -- while fanning a career-high 10.

Dustin Ackley added a two-run homer and Mike Carp knocked in a run for Seattle, which picked up just its second win since the All-Star break.

Ben Zobrist recorded the Rays' lone hit while knocking in both runs for Tampa Bay, which has lost four of six.

Alex Cobb (3-1) was pegged with his first career loss after giving up three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings.

"(Pineda) went out there and really set the tone early, was consistent throughout," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "He did a fantastic job of controlling the ball game, a good job with his fastball, and with his secondary stuff, against right-handers and left-handers."

Seattle broke a 2-2 deadlock in the sixth after Ackley doubled to right-center then scored on Carp's single.

Jeff Gray took over for Pineda in the seventh with men on first and second and one out. Gray got out of the jam and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Brandon League pitched a perfect ninth to pick up his 24th save of the season.

The Mariners wasted no time in the first, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead. Ichiro Suzuki singled then scored when Ackley launched a 3-2 changeup over the wall in right-center.

The Rays answered back in the fourth with a run of their own. Johnny Damon drew a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error by Josh Bard. Zobrist then grounded out to score Damon.

Tampa Bay added another run in the sixth to tie the game at 2-2. Sean Rodrigeuz was hit by a pitch to open the frame and then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. He then advanced to third when Damon grounded out before Zobrist followed with an RBI single.

"I liked Alex (Cobb) a lot, but Ackley just got him today on two full-count pitches, the double and the homer. That was their offense, but we didn't get much offense ourselves," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "The one hit, and then Johnny (Damon) stealing the bag, that was big. We move the runner, then we get a two-out knock and a knock by Zobrist, so really, a nondescript offensive game by both sides, dominated by pitching."

Game Notes

Pineda struckout seven through the first three innings...Seattle acquired pitcher Charlie Furbush, third baseman Francisco Martinez, outfielder Casper Wells and a player to be named later from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for pitchers Doug Fister and David Pauley on Saturday...Seattle also recalled pitcher Dan Cortes from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned pitcher Aaron Laffey to Tacoma...Zobrist extended his hitting streak to 10 games.