Aybar single lifts Angels over Mariners

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA // Erick Aybar came up with a 10th-inning RBI single to lift the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-2 extra-inning victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. Bobby Abreu led off the inning with a single and reached third on a sacrifice bunt and a ground-out before Aybar brought him home with two outs for the game-winner. The win allowed the Angels to retain a 4 1/2-game advantage in the American League West despite a late rally by the Mariners.

Trailing 2-1, Seattle designated-hitter Mike Sweeney led off the ninth inning with a solo home run to centre field against Angels closer Brian Fuentes. The Mariners had a runner in scoring position in the top of the 10th but Los Angeles reliever Matt Palmer (10-1) escaped the inning and was credited with the win. Angels starter Scott Kazmir mixed up in a pitcher's duel with Felix Hernandez for the second time in less than a week. In his season debut with the Angels on September 2, the left-hander allowed two runs but lost out to Hernandez who threw eight shutout innings in Seattle's 3-0 victory.

This time around, Kazmir was in line for the victory after leaving the game with a 2-1 lead following the seventh inning but took the no-decision after the Mariners tied things up. * Reuters