Paxton Pitches M’s Past Rays, 6-4

Lefty James Paxton, whose bittersweet call back to the big leagues due to the injury of ace Felix Hernandez, gave Mariners brass more to think about when King Felix returns from the disabled list.

Paxton tossed six innings while scattering seven hits. He allowed three bases on balls and punched out five while anchoring a 6-4 Mariners victory over Tampa Bay and salvaging the final game of the series.

Seattle clung to their one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning when reliever Joaquin Benoit fanned DH Steve Pearce on a full count with the bases loaded to escape a hairy situation. Kyle Seager added a solo shot in the top of the ninth to give the M's a bit more breathing room, his 13th bomb of the year. Steve Cishek worked the final frame to earn his 15th save in 19 opportunities.

The M's were lead offensively by first baseman Dae Ho Lee who went two-for-three with a double and three RBI.
Seattle, now a six full games back of Texas in the AL West, continue their 10-game road trip tomorrow in Boston. Hisashi Iwakuma (5-5, 4.10) against former Mariner Roenis Elias (0-0, 16.20)