Bonderman hopes for some run support against Cubs

Jeremy Bonderman hopes for a little run support on Sunday when the Seattle Mariners play the rubber match of a three-game series versus the Chicago Cubs at Safeco Field.

Since giving up seven runs in his first start since 2010 back on June 2, Bonderman has allowed two runs or less in each of his four starts since, but has just one win in that span and has not received a decision in any of his last three outings.

"He's thrown the ball well. I'm a big believer in good misses," Seattle manager Eric Wedge said. "When he's missed, he's had good misses, whether it be down or off the plate."

Bonderman, who has never faced the Cubs, did not factor in his team's 6-3 win, but gave up just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. He is 1-1 on the year with a 3.30 ERA.

Chicago, meanwhile, will hand the ball to righty Edwin Jackson, who is just 3-10 this season with a 5.84 ERA. Jackson was awful against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, as he surrendered six runs in only 4 2/3 innings.

It marked the third time in his last 10 starts in which he failed to finish the fifth inning.

"We've got to get more consistency," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said after the game. "We have to try to get that guy who we saw in the first three innings against the White Sox and a couple more outings. It's the consistency with the velocity and the power."

Jackson, though, could get himself untracked Sunday, as he is a perfect 3-0 in three starts versus the Mariners and has yielded just one run in 22 2/3 innings against them.

Chicago evened this series at a game apiece on Saturday, as Alfonso Soriano's two-run homer in the 11th inning lifted the Cubs to a 5-3 victory. Soriano had three RBI while Starlin Castro had a home run for the Cubs, who have won three of their last four games.

With Oliver Perez (2-2) pitching for the Mariners, Nate Schierholtz bunted for a single to lead off the 11th. Soriano then connected on a 1-2 pitch that sailed over the center field wall.

"It showed a lot to come out with Schierholtz's nice little bunt and obviously Soriano's homer, but it wasn't just give up and go to dinner," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said of his team battling back after blowing the lead in the ninth.

Carlos Villanueva (2-4) earned the win after pitching flawlessly in the 10th while Blake Parker threw a 1-2-3 11th to pick up his first career save.

Justin Smoak hit a solo shot while Dustin Ackley and Endy Chavez drove in one run apiece for the Mariners, who have lost six of nine.

"We fought back, but we're still looking to have more consistent at-bats," Wedge said.

Chicago and Seattle are meeting for the first since the Mariners won two of three matchups in the Emerald City in 2010.