Mariners mash past A’s, gain in WC chase

OAKLAND — The Mariners kept pace in a crowded American League Wild Card race Friday night, pulling within 3 1/2 games of a postseason spot thanks to a 3-2, series-opening victory over the A’s behind right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma at the Coliseum.

Iwakuma, who allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings, was staked to an early lead courtesy of Nelson Cruz’s first-inning RBI double, and the Mariners kept their distance with a pair of homers, getting solo shots from Norichika Aoki and Mike Zunino.

“We all fight and play to play in the playoffs,” said Iwakuma, who matched his career-high with 15 wins. “As a starter, I only pitch one game every five days, and you want to go out and give it all you got. I was able to do that today.”

First-time leadoff man Joey Wendle and catcher Bruce Maxwell drove in runs for the A’s and combined for five hits, while fellow rookie Daniel Mengden took the loss after yielding two runs in five innings. Oakland was officially eliminated from AL West competition with the loss.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDSolo surge: A pair of solo home runs proved to be the difference for the Mariners. Aoki hit the first pitch of the second inning over the right field fence and Zunino supplied an insurance run with a solo blast in the seventh. The Mariners have now hit two or more home runs in seven straight contests.

“Didn’t hit it great with runners in scoring position,” said Mariners …

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