Mariners’ Mike Montgomery Falls Short of Record, But Seattle Still Shuts Down Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Seattle rookie Mike Montgomery put together another fine start, pitching the Mariners past the Oakland Athletics 2-1 Sunday.

Coming off two straight shutouts, Montgomery (4-2) gave up one run and six hits in 5 2-3 innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Montgomery was trying to join Randy Johnson as the only players in franchise history to pitch three consecutive shutouts. Sam Fuld homered in the third for the A's.

Montgomery retired the next six batters, then got some help from Seattle's defense before leaving with two on and two outs in the sixth.

Fernando Rodney pitched the ninth for his 16th save.

Seth Smith drove in both Seattle runs with a two-out single in the sixth off Chris Bassitt (0-2).

The Mariners announced before the game that manager Lloyd McClendon will miss Seattle's upcoming series against Detroit to attend the funeral for his younger sister in Indiana.