MLB: Seattle 5, Chi. White Sox 4

SEATTLE, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- J.J. Putz worked out of a ninth-inning jam Friday night as the Seattle Mariners fought off the Chicago White Sox, 5-4, to stay atop of the AL wild-card race.

Seattle took sole possession of the wild-card lead Thursday night by inching a half game in front of the New York Yankees.

Raul Ibanez staked Seattle to a quick lead with a two-run homer in the first Friday night, and the Mariners built a 5-0 cushion -- but saw the advantage cut to one when Danny Richar hit a grand slam homer off George Sherrill in the seventh.

Putz pitched the ninth for his 35th save, but not without some drama. He walked two in the inning and faced Alex Cintron with two away and runners on the corners. Putz struck out Cintron on three pitches to end the game.

Starter Miguel Batista (13-8) got the win, lasting 6 1/3 innings while giving up three hits and three runs.

Jose Contreras (6-15) allowed nine hits and five runs over seven innings to take the loss.