May 10, 2009 (News Tribune delivered by Newstex ) --
As they try to avoid being swept, the Seattle Mariners will be without Mike Sweeney, who's battling back spasms. No, not the spasms high on his back that nailed him earlier this season - these are low in his back. With an off-day Monday, the team hopes he can play by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Franklin Gutierrrez gets a day off, Yuniesky Betancourt starts again and Erik Bedard (ERA: 2.37) will pitch and hope to get, oh, a run or two.
Their six-game losing streak has dropped them from first to third place in tghre American League West, pulled them under .500 and reminded fans of long losing streaks that gutted the last three seasons.
And, after today, the Mariners fly to Texas to play the Rangers in a three-game series beginning Tuesday.
They don't want to get there with a seven-game losing streak.
Yes, Virginia, they need a win badly.
Happy mothers day. We're off.
Newstex ID: 34795701
