SEATTLE -- The Mariners' bullpen -- a strength for much of May -- went awry for a second straight night on Wednesday, as the Rangers rallied late for a 7-6 victory that took a little luster off a spectacular month for James Paxton.
Paxton was pulled with a 4-2 lead after five innings, but a relief crew that had allowed just one run in 27 1/3 innings prior to Tuesday's 9-5 loss couldn't slam the door again, as Texas scored four runs in the seventh.
The Mariners have won nine of their past 12 games, but they missed a second straight chance to pull into a first-place tie with the Astros atop the American League West, instead remaining a game back at 33-22.