Sexson, Batista Lead Mariners Past Angels

Miguel Batista (2-2) struck out eight batters over 7 2/3 innings for the Mariners.

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ANAHEIM - Right-hander Miguel Batista went on a rare strikeout binge and first baseman Richie Sexson hit his 299th career home run on Sunday afternoon as the Mariners salvaged the final game of a three-game series against the Angels with a 4-2 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 43,631 at Angel Stadium.

Sexson's third home run in the three-game series, and his fifth of the season, presented Batista with a two-run lead in the second inning. The blast over the left-field fence also scored third baseman Adrian Beltre, who led off with a walk -- the first free pass issued by Angels pitching in the series.

After designated hitter Jose Vidro flied out to deep right field, Sexson smacked his home run off Angels starter Dustin Moseley.

Seattle (10-10) added two more runs in the fifth inning on a leadoff single by Willie Bloomquist, a triple by Ichiro Suzuki, and single by Jose Lopez.

Batista (2-2) struck out eight batters over 7 2/3 innings, the sixth time in his career that he's fanned that many in one game. His career best is 11, accomplished twice.

The Angels mounted a rally in the ninth, loading the bases off reliever Mark Lowe -- who allowed a two-run single to Gary Matthews Jr. Brandon Morrow was summoned to face Vlad Guerrero, and walked him to reload the bases. Ryan Rowland-Smith struck out Garret Anderson looking on a full-count to end the game.

Story by: Jim Street

Courtesy: MLB.com

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