Mariners 2, Rays 1
Michael Saunders had a two-run single and Jason Vargas didn’t allow an earned run as visiting Seattle beat Tampa Bay for the first time this season.
Vargas (10-7) gave up one unearned run and seven hits in six-plus innings while winning his third straight start as the Mariners snapped a nine-game skid against the Rays.
Tampa Bay scored its lone run on an error by Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki. Desmond Jennings began the seventh with a single and was advancing to third on a single by Jose Labaton when Ichiro wildly threw the ball to the left of third baseman Kyle Seager, allowing Jennings to score.
Vargas exited and four Seattle relievers protected the lead with three innings of hitless ball. Tom Wilhelmsen struck out two in the ninth for his ninth save in 11 opportunities.
Seattle scored two first-inning runs after loading the bases with two walks and a single after two were out. Saunders then delivered a sharply-hit two-run single to provide an early lead.
Tampa Bay starter Alex Cobb (4-7) left after two innings after being hit in his lower right leg by a hard grounder off the bat of Ichiro.
Cobb scrambled to retrieve the ball and threw home to retire Seattle’s Carlos Peguero and then fell to the ground in pain. X-rays were negative.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Seattle was 0-5 against the Rays this season prior to Saturday’s victory. … Cesar Ramos replaced Cobb and struck out six while hurling four innings of two-hit shutout ball. He was recalled earlier in the day. … Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez (concussion) is still dealing with headaches and will be re-examined Monday in Seattle. … The Rays placed DH Luke Scott on the disabled list with an oblique injury suffered Friday.