• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Balentien powers Mariners to wild win over Angels

Aug 14, 2008 - 6:47 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- While two elite closers from last season melted under the pressure on Wednesday, rookie Wladimir Balentien stepped up when the Seattle Mariners needed him most.

Balentien hit a three-run home run in the top of the 12th inning, powering the Mariners to a wild 10-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In a game that saw two 40-save closers - Seattle's J.J. Putz and Anaheim's Francisco Rodriguez - from a season ago look completely ineffective, the Mariners ended the Angels' five-game winning streak by ending their own four-game slide.

"It was one of those games that are fun to be a part of," Mariners manager Jim Riggleman said. "The score was back and forth with each team coming up with big hits to get them back in it."

Raul Ibanez opened the 12th with a double off Justin Speier (1-5), who intentionally walked Jose Lopez two batters later. Following a flyout from pinch hitter Tug Hulett, Balentien hammered a 1-1 fastball just out of the reach of center fielder Torii Hunter for his sixth homer.

"I just wasn't trying to do as much and looking for a fastball," Balentien said. "Just trying to put it into play and not hit a home run, but it went out."

The homer was sweet redemption for the strikeout-prone 24-year-old, who had struck out in four of his five previous at-bats.

"I just wanted to stay with it and stay focused," Balentien said. "I'm glad I had the opportunity to make up for the other at-bats."

Roy Corcoran (3-0) allowed a hit and a walk over the final three innings to collect the victory.

"He (Corcoran) came in and gave us a solid effort," Riggleman said. "To be able to come in and shut down an offense like the Angels says a lot about him."

Much as they have all season, the Angels turned to Rodriguez in the ninth with a 6-4 lead. Rodriguez was in line for his team-record-tying 47th save, but for the fifth time, the three-time All-Star could not hold the lead, seemingly falling apart after a leadoff walk to Miguel Cairo.

"I gave up the lead and I just didn't get guys out tonight," Rodriguez said. "I was embarrassed with how I pitched and didn't make quality pitches, and that's the bottom line."

Yuniesky Betancourt followed with a single and both players moved up after Rodriguez unleashed a wild pitch.

Jeremy Reed then laced a double into right-center to tie the game and Raul Ibanez put Rodriguez in line for a rare loss when he singled to center to put the Mariners up, 7-6.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia pulled his ineffective reliever for Darren Oliver, but not before Rodriguez showed his displeasure with home plate umpire Gerry Davis' strike zone, especially regarding the walk to Cairo, and was promptly ejected.

"I just asked where the pitches were and he took it differently," Rodriguez said. "Just have to turn the page and put this one behind me."

Putz, who has been anything but reliable after posting 40 saves in 2007, attempted to nail down his first save since June 9, but blew his fourth consecutive save opportunity two pitches into the bottom of the ninth when Mark Teixeira crushed a solo homer to center.

"It wasn't going to be easy facing the heart of their order and I knew I had my work cut out for me," Putz said. "I just missed with my spot to Mark (Teixeira) and he hit it hard to tie the game."



For Teixeira, the blast was his fourth since joining the Angels in a trade with Atlanta last month.

"Tex (Teixeira) is a guy that can carry a team with his bat and make good plays with the glove," Scioscia said. "He played a great game, but I wish we could have pulled out the win tonight."

The game remained tied as Oliver and Corcoran exchanged scoreless frames until Speier relieved Oliver to begin the 12th.