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Mariners, Athletics search for rare wins

Aug 21, 2008 - 10:18 AM Oakland (57-69) at Seattle (46-80) 10:10 p.m. EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Seattle Mariners host the Oakland Athletics on Thursday as two of the worst teams in baseball open a four-game series.

The Mariners have been perhaps the biggest disappointment in the American League, owning the worst record in the league after an offseason that saw them import starters Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva in hopes of winning a division title.

Things went downhill quickly for Seattle, which has been mired in last place since the first month of the season.

The A's were not expected to contend after trading Dan Haren and Nick Swisher in the offseason, but surprisingly stayed above .500 until July, when general manager Billy Beane continued his rebuilding plan by shipping starters Joe Blanton and Rich Harden out of town.

Oakland is a major league-worst 6-25 since the All-Star break.

Ryan Rowland-Smith (2-1, 4.11 ERA) will try to hand the A's their third straight loss. The converted reliever has allowed 10 runs in 14 2/3 innings over his last three starts, failing to factor in the decision in any of the outings.

Oakland will counter with rookie Greg Smith (5-12, 3.91). The lefthander has not earned a win since June 30 despite allowing two earned runs or fewer in each of his past three starts.