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Johjima caps six-run first to propel Mariners

Sep 27, 2008 - 11:21 PM By Paul Lowenberg PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Kenji Johjima's three-run homer capped a six-run first inning as the Seattle Mariners recorded a 7-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.\

The win gave the Mariners a modest two-game winning streak but was only their third victory in 15 games.

After Ichiro Suzuki singled and Yuniesky Betancourt dropped a bunt down the third base line for a base hit, Raul Ibanez was safe on first baseman Daric Barton's fielding error to load the bases in the first.

Miguel Cairo walked to force in the first run, Wladimir Balentien hit a two-run single and Johjima belted his seventh homer of the season.

Cairo drove in another run when he singled in the eighth, extending Seattle's lead to 7-3.

Greg Smith, who had held the Mariners scoreless in two previous starts, settled down following the outburst and allowed just two more batters to reach before leaving after seven frames.

Smith (7-16) gave up six runs and five hits, walking two and striking out three. The 16 losses by the 24-year-old lefthander are the most for the club since Tom Candiotti went 11-16 in 1998.

Ryan Rowland-Smith (5-3) worked 6 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs and nine hits with five strikeouts and a pair of walks. He departed after Kurt Suzuki doubled and scored on Jack Cust's single to draw Oakland within 6-3.

Sean Green came on and tossed 2 1/3 scoreless frames to pick up his first career save.