23 Joe Saunders, SP

Mariners starting pitcher Joe Saunders couldn't contain the Rangers' offense Friday night, allowing six earned runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings while striking out a season-high seven batters.

The loss dropped Saunders to 3-5 and gave him a 6.09 ERA in 57 2/3 innings this year heading into Wednesday's game against the Padres in San Diego.

He wasn't pitching at Safeco Field and so Joe Saunders couldn't have been expected to have a much better performance Saturday in Cleveland.

Saunders, who has been awful on the road and a stud at home for the Mariners this season, avoided taking another road loss against the Indians thanks to back-to-back homers in the top of the ninth.

He gave up four runs on 11 hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings with two strikeouts as his ERA stands at 5.64 for the year.

Saunders (3-4) has gone 3-0 over four starts at Safeco Field with just three runs allowed over 30 2/3 innings. Saunders' next start comes Friday against Texas at home.

Mariners starter Joe Saunders, who was hit hard in his last outing, bounced back to get his third win of the season Sunday afternoon against the A's.

Saunders (3-4) surrendered a run-scoring double to Luke Montz in the second for his only mistake. The left-hander allowed a run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 6-1 victory. He struck out six and walked three in 104 pitches, 62 for strikes.

All three of Saunders' wins have come at home, and he's 3-0 with a 0.94 ERA in four starts at Safeco Field.

Saunders is scheduled to make his next start Saturday at Cleveland. He is 0-4 with a 12.54 ERA away from home this season.