Valencia, Alonso lead Mariners to 6-3 win over A’s

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif. — Seattle’s Danny Valencia hit a three-run homer against his former team and fellow ex-Oakland slugger Yonder Alonso added a two-run shot in the Mariners’ 6-3 win over the Athletics on Tuesday night.

Khris Davis matched his career high from last season with his 42nd homer, a two-run shot in the sixth to put Oakland ahead before Valencia’s 15th of the year in the seventh off Daniel Mengden (2-2).

The Mariners have hit 40 homers this month and won their eighth straight against the A’s, Seattle’s longest unbeaten run ever versus Oakland.

Emilio Pagan (2-3) pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief of James Paxton for the win, then Edwin Diaz closed it out for his 33rd save.

Paxton struck out five and didn’t walk a batter in 5 1/3 innings, chased by Davis’ homer. The left-hander gave up three runs and six hits as his winless stretch reached four starts since he had seven straight victorious outings.

Paxton has told manager Scott Servais he would like to make one more start — Sunday’s season finale would be his day — but that was to be determined on how the pitcher felt after Tuesday.

Alonso’s drive to right ended a 19-inning scoreless streak by Mengden and also was the Seattle first baseman’s fifth homer since joining the Mariners from the A’s on Aug. 6 — and third against Oakland.

Marcus Semien hit the first home run leading off a game of his career with a drive to left for the A’s, who need one more September victory for their first winning month since going 13-12 in April 2016.

Mengden had been 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA over his previous three starts since re-joining the A’s on Sept. 5.

A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell knelt for the national anthem once more and teammate Mark Canha placed his hand on his teammate’s shoulder.