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Mariners battle fading Yankees

Sat 6th, September 2008

(Sports Network) - Seattle hopes Ryan Rowland-Smith can duplicate Brandon Morrow's brilliant performance in the opener of this series when the Mariners play the second of three games against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field.

Morrow, in his first big league start, came within four outs of a no-hitter, leading the Mariners to a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Friday.

The 24-year-old right-hander, who was making the 101st appearance of his career and 41st of the season, walked Hideki Matsui with one out in the eighth. Center fielder Wladimir Balentien then made an over-the-shoulder catch in front of the wall on a ball hit by Robinson Cano. However, pinch-hitter Wilson Betemit then lined a hit to right field, beyond the outstretched glove of Ichiro Suzuki, to break up the no-hitter and shutout.

Justin Thomas then came in to replace Morrow (2-2), who ended up walking three batters and striking out eight.

Before Friday, the last major league appearance for Morrow came August 3. The Mariners then sent the fifth overall draft pick from 2006 to the minors to make the transition to a starting role. Before this, he was a set-up man and temporary closer this season, compiling 10 saves.

Morrow was attempting to become the second pitcher in modern history to throw a no-hitter in his first major league start.

Derek Jeter singled to lead off the ninth, the only other hit on the night for the Yankees. J.J. Putz settled down and retired the next three batters, getting Jason Giambi to foul out to third to end the game. Putz recorded his 11th save.

Yuniesky Betancourt, Kenji Johjima and Miguel Cairo knocked in the runs for Seattle, which snapped an eight-game skid versus the Yankees. The Mariners have won five of their last seven overall.

Andy Pettitte (13-12) lost his fifth straight decision at Seattle. The lefty gave up seven hits and three runs, and struck out nine against just one walk. He's now dropped five of his last six decisions.

The playoff hopes continue to fade for the Yankees, who have lost back-to-back contests and are now 8 1/2 games behind wild card leading Boston, which defeated Texas on Friday.

Rowland-Smith, meanwhile, won his second straight start on Sunday in Cleveland, as he allowed two runs (one earned) and seven hits in 6 1/3 frames, upping his record to 4-2 to go along with a 3.56 ERA.

The 25-year-old lefty, who will be making the eighth major league start of his career, has faced the Yankees four times out of the bullpen without recording a decision, but has pitched to a 12.27 ERA in those outings.

New York will pin its hopes on righty Sidney Ponson, who is 7-5 with a 5.13 ERA. Ponson did not factor in the decision of his team's 13-9 win in Detroit on Monday, as he allowed seven runs (six earned) and nine hits in just three innings.

Ponson has faced the Mariners 13 times (12 starts) and is 3-4 against them with a 4.54 ERA.

New York has won six of its seven matchups with the Mariners this season and has won eight of nine in the series dating back to last season.