Takeaway

Fernando Rodney’s third blown save of the season – it feels like more, doesn’t it? – helped the Yankees extend the game Tuesday night before Garrett Jones put away the Mariners  (24-28) with a three-run homer in the top of the 12^th. The 5-3 loss (box score) was Seattle’s fourth in a row.

Essential moment

Rodney seemed to have recovered from a leadoff walk before giving up back-to-back singles with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Stephen Drew’s RBI single tied the score 2-2 and turned those Alex Rodriguez boos onto one of Seattle’s own.

Pitchers

LHP Mike Montgomery was splendid in his rookie debut. He came within one strike of earning his first major league win. But Rodney’s familiar finish spoiled the party. The Mariners’ bullpen really let Montgomery down. Joe Beimel gave up Jones’ game-winner.

Hitters

The Mariners had 14 hits and three walks and CF Austin Jackson (4 for 4, reached base six times) did everything he could. But three for 17 with runners in scoring position is a team curse that is not lifting.

Words

“We’re in treacherous waters right now. That’s why they call me the skipper. At times like this, I’ll stand at the front of the boat for my guys. I’ll lead these guys, and we’ll get out of this.” – Manager Lloyd McClendon

Noteworthy

C Mike Zunino had a career first — he was ejected for complaining about the failure to get called third strikes on Yankees hitters who attempted to check swings. As McClendon charged out to prevent Zunino from being thrown, McClendon was tossed too — but not before confronting each umpire with a finger-wagging denunciation. His tirade included a Piniella-esque kick of his hat –twice! — and drew a standing ovation from the Safeco Field crowd as he headed into the clibhouse . . . The Mariners sent RHP Mayckol Guaipe back to Triple-A before the game, clearing a roster spot for Montgomery . . . 3B Kyle Seager came up with two outs and runners on the corners in each of his first three at-bats. He struck out twice and grounded out to the pitcher on a bunt — stranding six runners by the fifth inning.

Next

The Mariners hope to avoid the sweep in a Wednesday afternoon (1:10 p.m.) game. RHP Taijuan Walker (2-5, 6.18 ERA) hopes to build on his last outing, while RHP Masahiro Tanaka (2-1, 3.22) returns from six weeks on the disabled list to start for the Yankees.