Paxton helps Mariners sail past Athletics

Pitcher stars in 6- 5 win, handing Oakland fifth loss in six games

James Paxton pitched shutout ball into the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners held off a late rally by Oakland for a 6- 5win on Tuesday night, handing the Athletics their fifth loss in six games.

Paxton ( 5- 1) gave up three hits through the seventh. Ahead 6- 0, he got chased in Oakland’s three- run eighth, and the A’s nearly got even in a harried ninth.

Seattle closer Fernando Rodney took over with a 6- 3 lead and retired the first two batters. He then gave up consecutive doubles to Derek Norris and pinch- hitters Brandon Moss and Sam Fuld before retiring Josh Reddick on a grounder for his 40th save.

The A’s remained four and a half games back of the firstplace Angels, who lost at Houston. Seattle are third in the AL wild- card standings.

The rubber game yesterday afternoon between the division rivals and playoff contenders has the makings of quite a pitcher’s duel. In a matchup of 13- game winners, Seattle ace Felix Hernandez faces Jon Lester.

Paxton allowed two runs and four hits in 7 2- 3 innings. He improved to 8- 1with a 1.77 ERA in 12 career starts.

Sonny Gray ( 13- 8) gave up six runs and seven hits in five innings. He is 1- 5 in seven outings since his 5- 0 July earned him the AL Pitcher of the Month award.

Gray came in 4- 0 with a 1.10 ERA in his first five starts against the Mariners.

Kyle Seager hit a two- run homer that helped the Mariners build a 6- 0 lead.

A day after hitting a home run in his first at- bat since joining the A’s, Adam Dunn had an RBI single as a pinchhitter in the eighth to put Oakland on the board.