(Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners try to string back-to-back wins together this evening, when they go for a series win against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field.

Seattle won for the first time in its last four games in the opener of this three-game set on Tuesday, as Ken Griffey Jr. clubbed a three-run homer and Felix Hernandez pitched into the eighth inning for his 18th win of the season in the Mariners' 6-4 win.

Hernandez (18-5) allowed seven hits and a pair of runs over 7 2/3 innings to extend his career-high for wins in a season. He's won his last six decisions and hasn't lost since August 23 at Cleveland.

"With Felix pitching, you need to get him some runs to get the momentum," said Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu. "As soon as you get him some runs, you feel like you're going to win this ball game and Griffey's three-run home run did that. It gave us a cushion enough to be able the get through this ball game."

The Mariners (81-76) assured themselves of a .500 record after going 61-101 in 2008. They became the 13th team in the modern era to play .500 or better baseball the season after losing 100 games.

Oakland's Trevor Cahill (10-13) yielded eight hits and six runs over 4 2/3 innings to have his four-decision win streak broken.

"I was leaving a lot of balls up all night," said Cahill. "The sinker wasn't really moving. I got away with a lot early, eventually it catches up to you. I definitely wanted to finish on a positive note, so I was kind of upset I didn't get to do that. It's definitely a relief the season's over. I get to relax and focus on next year."

Heading to the hill for the Mariners tonight will be righty Brandon Morrow, who is 1-4 with a 4.96 ERA on the year. Morrow, who started the year as the team's closer, did not get a decision last Wednesday in St. Petersburg, as the Tampa Bay Rays managed two runs and three hits in five innings off him in Seattle's 5-4 loss.

Despite winning just one game as a starter, Morrow has allowed three runs or less in all but one of his nine outings in that role this season.

Morrow is 1-0 lifetime against the A's with a 5.47 ERA in 16 appearances (2 starts).

Oakland, meanwhile, will counter with rookie Clay Mortensen, who is 2-3 with a 6.07 ERA. Mortensen, acquired from St. Louis in July as part of the Matt Holliday deal, lost for the first time in three starts last Wednesday against Texas, as he allowed seven runs (3 earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Mortensen lost his only other start to the Mariners back on September 4, when was hit for four runs and six hits in seven innings.

Seattle has won 12 of its 17 matchups with the Athletics this season.









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