Seattle, WA (Sports Network) – Franklin Gutierrez stroked a two-run single in the bottom of the 11th inning, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox, 2-1, to salvage the finale of a three-game series at Safeco Field.
The White Sox had taken the lead in the top of the 11th on a two-out single by Omar Vizquel off Brandon League (7-6) that scored Gordon Beckham, who doubled and took third on a fly out.
Chicago closer Bobby Jenks (1-3) was called on to protect the narrow margin, but Jack Wilson bunted for a single and Ichiro Suzuki sacrificed before a single by Chone Figgins put men on the corners with one out. Figgins swiped second and Gutierrez followed with a line drive to center field, giving the Mariners just their fourth win (4-14) in July.
“That was good baseball. Unfortunately, we finished like that,” said Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen.
Seattle’s anemic offense failed to get the win for Felix Hernandez, who scattered two hits and retired the final 17 batters he faced before exiting after the eighth inning.
The right-hander struck out eight and did not issue a walk for the second straight start. He has now worked seven innings or more in each of his last eight outings.
“Felix did everything he could and everything we asked of him,” said Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu.
Chicago starter Gavin Floyd was just as impressive on the mound, yielding five hits and fanning six over seven full frames. He has allowed one earned run or fewer in eight of his last nine starts.
The loss — just the fourth in 15 games — dwindled Chicago’s lead in the American League Central to 2 1/2 games over the Tigers and Twins after both those teams won Wednesday.
Gutierrez collected three hits…Chicago had taken the previous five meetings with Seattle this season…It was the second blown save for Jenks.