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Mariners seek second straight victory in clash with Blue Jays

Apr 12, 2011 - 3:08 PM (Sports Network) - After a thrilling win in Monday's opener, the Seattle Mariners try to make it two straight this evening when they continue their three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field.

Seattle had dropped seven in a row entering Monday's series opener and appeared headed for an eighth straight loss, as it fell behind 7-0 after six innings. However, the Mariners rallied for eight runs over the final three innings and pulled off the improbable victory in the ninth when Luis Rodriguez's two-run single lifted them an 8-7 triumph.

"I knew the situation, especially with our seven-game losing streak," said Rodriguez, who entered the game when Chone Figgins left with a bruised thumb in the fourth inning. "This win is really big for us."

Michael Saunders led off the ninth with a double and was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Brendan Ryan. Ichiro Suzuki came up with two outs and was intentionally walked after he worked a 2-0 count. Suzuki stole second base to allow the game-winning run to come in on Rodriguez's base hit to right-center field.

"We took our chances with a guy hitting .091 versus a perennial All-Star," said Toronto manager John Farrell. "And we'd do it again."

The rally took reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez off the hook, as he allowed seven runs on 12 hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings. Josh Lueke (1-0) earned his first career win with a perfect ninth inning that included a strikeout.

Toronto's bullpen had entered the game leading the majors with a 1.11 ERA, but gave up all eight runs in this one after Jesse Litsch left after five scoreless frames. Shawn Camp (0-1) was charged with the loss and the blown save after Rodriguez's ninth inning heroics.

Tonight the Mariners could have their hands full, as they face left-hander Ricky Romero, who has allowed just one earned run in each of his two starts. After beating the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day, Romero received a no- decision against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday, but pitched well, allowing a run and four hits in 7 1/3 frames.

Romero is 1-0 lifetime against the Mariners with a 3.79 ERA in three starts.

Seattle, meanwhile, will rely on 22-year-old righty Michael Pineda, who lost his big league debut to Texas last Tuesday. The defending American League champions reached Pineda for three runs and five hits in six innings.

On the injury front, Figgins is questionable for tonight's affair after x-rays taken on the thumb came back negative.

Toronto took three of five from the Mariners last season and has won six of the last nine matchups in the series.