The Oakland Athletics faced off against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field again on Saturday night. The A's were hoping to secure a series win with a victory, but were stifled by Mariners starter Hector Noesi, who held Oakland to just five hits in a 4-0 shutout loss.
The Mariners got on the board in the bottom of the second inning on a solo home run by Jesus Montero. That was where the scoring stood until the bottom of the sixth inning, when Brendan Ryan and Chone Figgins reached on consecutive one-out singles. Tom Milone walked Dustin Ackley walked to load the bases. With two outs, Justin Smoak drew a walk to bring Ryan home and Montero struck once again, hitting a two-run double to cap off a three-run Mariners inning.
Hector Noesi had a start for Seattle that was the polar opposite of his last outing. He went eight innings, giving up no runs on five hits and a walk.
It was a shaky start for Milone, who gave up four earned runs in six innings on four hits and two walks. A double for Jemile Weeks represented the only extra-base hit for the A's.
Oakland will try to pick up the win in the rubber match on Sunday.
For all news and information regarding the Oakland A's, please visit Athletics Nation. For updates and perspective regarding the Seattle Mariners, head on over to Lookout Landing or check out SB Nation Seattle.
