Mariners 0 - 3 Athletics
Final
  for this game

Pineda tries to get on track versus Athletics

Sep 3, 2011 - 2:56 PM

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(Sports Network) - Rookie Michael Pineda takes aim at his first win in five starts this afternoon when the Seattle Mariners continue a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum.

One of the leading candidates for the American League Rookie of the year, Pineda was dealt a hard-luck loss last Saturday against Chicago, which managed just two runs and three hits off the right-hander in six innings. He also struck out eight in the 3-0 loss, but fell to 9-8 on the year to go along with a 3.71 ERA.

"I know it's a long season, but you know, I'm working hard every day to get strong," the rookie said. "I feel strong in the last month, and I want to finish the season strong."

Pineda has beaten the A's both times he has faced them and has allowed just a run in 12 innings of those starts.

Heading to the hill for the A's this afternoon will be righty Brandon McCarthy, who is 7-7 on the year with a 3.64 ERA. McCarthy had a two-start winning streak stopped on Monday in Cleveland, despite a complete-game effort that saw him allow just two runs and five hits in eight innings. He also fanned 10 batters in the 2-1 loss.

He has tossed three complete games this season, but has lost all three games.

"Other than being some sort of statistical fluke or giving up runs when I shouldn't be, it kind of makes it a little rough, but I'm sure I'll get one without the eight-inning variety and losing on the road," McCarthy said. "It's just kind of a bittersweet feeling. I want to get deep into games, and getting a complete game is a point of pride, but doing it and giving up some runs isn't something I feel good with."

McCarthy is a mere 1-4 lifetime versus the Mariners with a 5.02 ERA in nine games, seven of which have been starts.

Oakland came out on top in Friday's opener, as Cliff Pennington smacked a three-run homer and Hideki Matsui smoked a three-run double, leading the A's to a 9-2 rout.

Scott Sizemore had two hits, including an RBI single, and Brandon Allen collected the other RBI for the A's, who have won back-to-back games after dropping five straight.

Guillermo Moscoso (7-8) worked seven effective innings, giving up two runs -- one earned -- on five hits while striking out six and issuing only one walk.

Franklin Gutierrez and Brendan Ryan drove in runs and Casper Wells added a double for the Mariners, losers in six of their last eight contests.

Jason Vargas (7-13) was saddled with the loss after giving up five runs -- four earned -- on six hits while fanning four and walking four.

The Mariners have won nine of 14 over the Athletics this year.






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