Marte's quirky double helps Mariners cool off Rangers 3-1
Marte's two-run double on a grounder over the third base bag led to an early ejection of Texas manager Jeff Banister, and the Mariners cooled off the AL West-leading Rangers 3-1 Friday night.
Banister moved to the top step of the dugout after the first of Marte's two doubles to indicate the Rangers were checking the replay, but soon came out for a heated discussion with Guccione, who eventually ejected him.
The Rangers had a five-game winning streak snapped, a night after finishing off a four-game sweep of Houston that moved them 2 ½ games ahead of the Astros.
Adrian Beltre matched his career high with his third walk and later was called safe by Guccione going from second to third when a pitch bounced away from Seattle catcher Jesus Sucre with no outs.
Yovani Gallardo (12-11) failed to get out of the sixth inning for the fifth consecutive start, allowing eight hits and three runs in five innings.
Mariners: LHP Vidal Nuno (1-2, 3.21 ERA) starts against the Rangers nine days after limiting them to one hit in seven innings and striking out a career-high 10 in a 6-0 win.