Paxton Blanks A’s Through Seven as M’s Drop Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- James Paxton pitched shutout ball into the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners held off a late rally by Oakland for a 6-5 win Tuesday night, handing the Athletics their fifth loss in six games.

Paxton (5-1) gave up three hits before getting chased in Oakland's three-run eighth.

Seattle closer Fernando Rodney took over to begin the ninth with a 6-3 lead and retired the first two batters. He then gave up consecutive doubles to Derek Norris and pinch-hitters Brandon Moss and Sam Fuld before retiring Josh Reddick on a grounder for his 40th save.

The A's remained 4 1/2 games back of the first-place Angels, who lost at Houston. Seattle is third in the AL wild-card standings.