Randy Arozarena’s single with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning scored the winning run as the host Seattle Mariners defeated the Texas Rangers 5-4 on Saturday night to spoil Max Scherzer’s return.

Julio Rodriguez and Luke Raley homered for the Mariners (76-73), who rallied for a second consecutive victory and sit 2 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card spot.

Max Scherzer, who took the mound for the first time since July 30 after being on the injured list with right shoulder fatigue, went four innings and allowed two runs on five hits, with two walks and two strikeouts. Leody Taveras and Marcus Semien went deep for the Rangers (71-78).

Mariners closer Andres Munoz (3-6) earned the victory and Rangers closer Jose Leclerc (6-5) took the loss.

With one out in the ninth, Victor Robles hit a double into the left field corner and proceeded to steal third. The Rangers intentionally walked Rodriguez before Cal Raleigh drew a walk to load the bases. With the infield drawn in, Arozarena hit a liner off the glove of diving shortstop Josh Smith to win it.

The Mariners opened the scoring in the second inning. Justin Turner and Jorge Polanco singled with one out and J.P. Crawford walked to load the bases. Josh Rojas brought home the run with a sacrifice fly to left field.

The Rangers took the lead in the third. Carson Kelly hit a single to center and Taveras followed with a two-run shot to right.

Rodriguez tied it in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff shot into the second deck in left field that traveled an estimated 446 feet.

The Rangers regained the lead in the fifth. Kelly lined a leadoff single to right and, an out later, Semien went deep to left to make it 4-2.

The Mariners again tied it in the bottom of the inning. Raleigh drew a one-out walk and Raley launched a two-run shot to center.

Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert pitched six innings and gave up four runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out seven.

–Field Level Media