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Yankees try to bounce back from dismal loss

Sep 6, 2008 - 10:19 AM NY Yankees (75-66) at Seattle (55-85) 10:10 p.m. EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- With losses against rookie starters and lowly teams, it is no surprise the New York Yankees are spiraling out of the playoff race.

The Yankees try to avoid a second consecutive embarrassing loss on Saturday against the dismal Seattle Mariners.

New York managed two hits during the series opener, as rookie Brandon Morrow held the Yankees hitless for 7 2/3 innings en route to a 3-1 victory in his first major league start.

The setback dropped New York 11 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays (85-54) in the AL East and 8 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox (83-57), who lead the AL wild-card race by 5 1/2 games over the Minnesota Twins (78-63).

If New York wants to keep its dwindling postseason hopes alive, it will have to avoid a similar performance against Seattle starter Ryan Rowland-Smith (4-2, 3.56 ERA), who is seeking his third win in as many starts.

Rowland-Smith allowed two runs - one earned - and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings, walking one while striking out two during Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Sidney Ponson (7-5, 5.13) counters. Ponson hasn't lasted five innings in any of his last three starts, surrendering 18 runs - 17 earned - in 9 2/3 innings over that span.