SEATTLE – Adam Moore's broken-bat RBI single highlighted a three-run rally in the eighth inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.
The Mariners, trailing 1-0, faced reliever Kevin Jepsen (2-4), who took over for starter Dan Haren. Jepsen walked Russell Branyan with one out. Matt Tuiasosopo pinch ran for him.
Jose Lopez followed with a single and Casey Kotchman walked. Michael Saunders hit a sac-fly to right to score Tuiasosopo. Moore followed with his looping game-winner just over the reach of second baseman Howard Kendrick.
Josh Wilson followed with an RBI single to score Kotchman.
Brandon League (9-6), who took over for starter Felix Hernandez in the eighth, earned the victory. David Aardsma worked the ninth to pick up his 26th save in 31 opportunities.
League leads the league in relief wins.
Hernandez was dominant, working seven scoreless innings and allowing just three hits, walking three and striking out eight.
Haren (3-4) matched Hernandez, going seven innings, allowing seven hits, walking two and striking out eight.
Los Angeles took a 1-0 lead in the eighth when Kendrick's double scored Alberto Callaspo. It was just the third run allowed by League since the All-Star break in a span of 24 2-3 innings.
The Angels had a couple early chances against Hernandez.
In the second, they loaded the bases with one out on a couple singles and a walk. But Jeff Mathis bounced into a double play.
With one out in the third, Callaspo singled. He stole second then continued to third when the ball bounced off Chone Figgins' glove for an error.
Kendrick attempted a squeeze bunt on the first pitch but fouled it off. He finally hit a two-hopper to third and Lopez threw Callaspo out at home.
Notes: The game opened with a line drive from Callaspo directly at Hernandez's head. He twisted away as he fell, instinctively putting his glove up. He somehow caught the ball. ... RH Shawn Kelley, on the disabled list since June 16, will have surgery on his ailing right elbow Wednesday. It's uncertain what doctors will find. "Hopefully, it's something that they can fix and have him ready by spring training," Mariners manager Daren Brown said. Angels RH Ervin Santana has won 14 games this season and is among the leaders in complete games (3). Last season, he was 8-8 with a 5.01 ERA. "Compared to last year his consistency is better, his command is better, his ability to repeat pitches. Everything is at a higher level," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Maybe not lot attention has been paid as far as fans or media but as far as we've seen and other people, players and managers we talked to, they've seen how well he's throwing the ball."
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.