Mariners closer Fernando Rodney nearly blew his second save opportunity in a row Friday, but worked out of a jam in a 6-5 win.
Rodney struggled from the beginning of his outing, allowing a leadoff single before recording his first out. He then hit a batter, allowed a single and then walked two more to bring in two runs. He nearly blew the save, but Justin Smoak double off Adrian Beltre on a line drive to end the game, with the tying run on third.
Rodney has allowed five runs -- three earned -- over his last 3 2/3 innings of work, after opening the season with 3 2/3 scoreless frames. He has a 3.68 ERA with four saves in five chances in eight appearances.