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Rays, Mariners close set at Safeco

Jun 5, 2011 - 2:34 PM (Sports Network) - One of the biggest reasons for Seattle's recent run is the resurgence of Erik Bedard, who will be on the mound this afternoon in the finale of a four-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bedard began the season with four consecutive losses, but since then he has won three straight decisions, tossing a quality start in his last five outings..

The last time the southpaw was on the hill he held the Orioles to just two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings of work. Bedard did not factor in the decision, but was able to claim seven strike outs.

Rarely does a pitcher have trouble performing in front of a home crowd, but that seems to be the issue for Bedard. In five games at Safeco Field, the veteran hurler is 0-2 and possesses a weak ERA of 4.61.

The 32-year-old spent a good portion of his career in Baltimore, so he is familiar with the Rays. For the most part Bedard has enjoyed success against his former division rival, posting an 11-3 ledger with a 3.03 earned run average.

The Rays, who finally snagged a win in the series on Saturday, will look to even the four- game set behind Wade Davis. The right-hander is probably happy that the month of May is over, as he collected just one win in six May starts.

It seemed to get worse as the month went on, as Davis lost three of his last four matchups, and in his most recent contest, Davis did not make it through the third inning against Texas. In the loss to the Rangers, Davis allowed seven runs on 12 hits.

Davis does not have a rich history against the Mariners, as this will be just his third start. In the two previous outings, he is just 0-1 with a 3.86 earned run average.

Behind one of its other young promising hurlers, Tampa got itself back into the win column on Saturday, as Jeremy Hellickson continued to impress with 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball in the Rays' 3-2 win.

Hellickson (7-3), May's American League Pitcher and Rookie of the Month honoree, surrendered just three hits and had four strikeouts for the Rays, who snapped a three-game losing skid.

Pinch-hitter Miguel Olivo had a two-run homer in the eighth to draw the Mariners within one run, but they failed to find the equalizer as Kyle Farnsworth shut them down in the ninth to get his 11th save.

The loss temporarily derailed the surging Mariners, who lost for only the fourth time in their last 17 games.

Seattle starter Doug Fister (3-6) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits over seven innings.