Mariners topple Twins 5-3
SEATTLE (AP) — John Jaso and Miguel Olivo homered, and Hisashi Iwakuma pitched seven strong innings to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3 on Friday night.
Iwakuma (4-3) gave up four hits, but didn't allow an earned run in winning for the third time in four decisions. He struck out six and walked one for the Mariners, who have won three of four.
Minnesota starter Nick Blackburn struggled again, allowing five runs and 11 hits. Blackburn (4-9) has lost five consecutive decisions and hasn't won since June 22.
Justin Morneau's double to open the fifth inning snapped Seattle's streak of 42 consecutive batters retired, the longest streak in the majors since 1974. The last batter to reach base against the Mariners was Tampa Bay's Jeff Keppinger, who doubled to lead off the ninth inning on Tuesday.
Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham hit back-to-back homers off Stephen Pryor in the eighth for the Twins, but Tom Wilhelmsen tossed a scoreless ninth for his 17th save.
