Valencia's 2-run HR lifts Athletics over Mariners 4-2
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SEATTLE (AP) Danny Valencia hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Oakland Athletics over the Seattle Mariners 4-2 Friday night.
Josh Reddick opened the eighth with a single off reliever Danny Farquhar (1-8). Valencia, who had three hits, followed with his career-high 17th homer deep into the left-center field bleachers.
Aaron Brooks (3-4), who gave up two runs and six hits over seven innings, earned the victory. Sean Doolittle finished for his fifth save in six opportunities.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hisashi Iwakuma pitched seven innings for the Mariners in a no-decision. He allowed one earned run and nine hits, striking out eight and walking none.
Iwakuma, who ended the season at 9-5, is the fifth pitcher since 1961 to open his career with at least a .625 winning percentage in each of his first four seasons. He joins Dwight Gooden (1984-91), Roy Oswalt (2001-08), Tim Hudson (1999-04) and Teddy Higuera (1985-88).
Brad Miller had three hits for the Mariners, including his 11th home run, a solo shot in the fifth.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Robinson Cano, who said before the game that he would have sports hernia surgery later this month, singled in the Seattle fifth to extend his hitting streak to a season-high 14 games. He is hitting .357 during the streak.
TRAINER'S ROOM
A's: Oakland put 23 players on the disabled list this season, up from 18 last year.
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A's: LHP Sean Nolin (1-2, 5.25) has a 0-1 record and a 9.82 ERA over his past two starts. He is 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in a pair of career starts against Seattle.
Mariners: LHP Roenis Elias (5-8, 3.89) has a 2.05 ERA over his last four starts with just one victory. That's his only win since June 19. Against the A's, he is 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA in four career appearances.