Mariners Take Down Yankees 5-4 In 12 Innings

Adam Kennedy (FSY) knew the cutter was coming from Mariano Rivera (FSY). He just happened to drop it in the perfect spot.

Kennedy scored pinch runner Luis Rodriguez (FSY) with a bloop single off Rivera in the bottom of the 12th inning and the Seattle Mariners won for the ninth time in 10 games with a 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday night.

It was the fifth game-winning hit in Kennedy's career and kept Seattle rolling on a night that ace Felix Hernandez (FSY) was knocked around early and a misplayed fly ball by Ichiro Suzuki (FSY) led to extra innings.

Yet, the Mariners found another way to win as Kennedy fought off Rivera's famed cutter and dropped it in front of Curtis Granderson (FSY) in center field to set off a late-night celebration.

"In that situation Adam is such a good hitter and with Mariano out there you know what is coming," Seattle designated hitter Jack Cust (FSY) said. "So when he bears down I'll take (Kennedy) with the game on the line anytime."

Kennedy had little success against Rivera in the past getting just one hit in 13 at-bats against the Yankees' closer.

Seattle handed Rivera (1-1) his first loss since Sept. 11, 2010 against Texas in appearance No. 1,001 for the Yankees star. The Mariners are now in second-place in the AL West and have surged back from being seven games under .500 less than two weeks ago.