SEATTLE, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A.J. Pierzynski belted a key three-run homer in the seventh inning Monday and the Texas Rangers went on to an 8-3 victory over Seattle.
The Rangers were clinging to a 4-3 lead in the seventh when Ian Kinsler delivered a two-out double against Mariners starter Joe Saunders.
Adrian Beltre was intentionally walked to get to Pierzynski, but the Rangers catcher crossed up Seattle's strategy by belting a pitch deep into the right field stands for a three-run shot.
Alex Rios drove in a pair of runs, Elvis Andrus went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Mitch Moreland added a bases-empty clout for American League West-leading Texas.
Travis Blackley (2-1), making his second start for the Rangers since being acquired from the Houston Astros, earned the win after allowing three runs on five hits over six innings.
Saunders (10-13) ended up yielding seven runs on nine hits in a seven-inning effort.
Brad Miller drove in two runs for the M's, who dropped the opener of a three-game set.
