• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Mariners snap 12-game losing streak with comeback win

Sep 24, 2008 - 6:21 AM By Paul Lowenberg PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Jeremy Reed singled in the tie-breaking run to ignite a three-run seventh inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied from a four-run deficit to snap a 12-game losing streak and post a 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday night.

Kenji Johjima had three hits and three RBI and Wladimir Balentien drove in a pair of runs as the Mariners (58-99) momentarily staved off their first 100-loss season since 1983.

Seattle manager Jim Riggleman admitted that the long losing streak was weighing heavily on the club.

"It's really a burden for the ballclub to carry," Riggleman said. "We thought we were out of it three or four times on the last road trip (when they were 0-11) but tonight for me is a better indication of the way our bullpen can pitch, and they did a great job."

Yuniesky Betancourt opened the seventh with a single off Kevin Jepsen (0-1), Raul Ibanez walked and Reed lined his one-out single for a 7-6 lead for Mariners, sending Ibanez to third, where he then scampered home when shortstop Erick Aybar bobbled Balentien's grounder for an error. Johjima's single made it 9-6.

"Usually, when you hit them real hard, they go right in their glove, and you get a little bit more frustrated," Reed said. "But luckily, we finally got a break and we were able to score some runs after that as well."

Reliever Roy Corcoran (6-2) went two scoreless innings to claim the victory and closer J.J. Putz earned his 14th save and the 100th of his career.

"It's nice," Putz said of his milestone. "I'm glad I got to it and I'm glad it was with these group of guys. We've been through a lot this year, and it's definitely something I'll remember."

Angels starter Jered Weaver was cruising along with a 6-2 lead before the Mariners erupted for four runs in the sixth to tie the game.

A pair of one-out singles put runners at first and second and Reed's liner off Weaver's outstretched glove caromed into right field to plate the first run. Balentien hit a run-scoring double and Johjima doubled in two more runs to tie the game at 6-6.

"That (Reed's hit) was an easy comebacker for a double play ball, and it went off my glove," Weaver said. "I guess I don't know what to say. I felt great. The guys gave me some run support and I just couldn't hold it. That's just the way it's been going."

Weaver, who has just one win in his last seven starts, went 5 2/3 innings, allowed nine hits and gave up six runs. He didn't walk a batter and struck out eight.

"I think his command started to waver a bit, and he didn't get a few balls where he wanted," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He threw the ball well but just couldn't get out of trouble in the sixth."

Mike Napoli belted his 19th homer - a 447-foot, three-run blast over the center-field fence off starter Ryan Feierabend in the fourth - to snap a 2-2 tie and give the Angels a 5-2 lead. Vladimir Guerrero made it 6-2 with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

The eighth home run of the season from Gary Matthews - and first since June 11 - drove in a pair of runs for a 2-0 lead for the Angels in the second inning.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the third as Johjima singled, went to third when Ichiro Suzuki doubled for a 16-game hitting streak and scored on Betancourt's two-run bloop single to center.

It was the third straight rough start for Feierabend, who was tagged for five runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. In his previous two starts - both losses - the 23-year-old lefthander surrendered 12 runs and 13 hits over just 8 1/3 innings.

The Angels (97-60) are battling the Tampa Bay Rays (94-62) for the best record in the American League and home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.

"We're not even looking at Tampa," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "We're just worried about the Angels. We don't even care who comes at us. That's the attitude competitors have."