Franklin Gutierrez' solo homer in the eight breaks a 3-3 tie, as the M's are victorious for the first time in a Brandon Morrow start. The bullpen pitched four scoreless; Aardsma saves it, starting the ninth by striking out Adrian Gonzalez swinging on a mid-90s fastball. Russell Branyan's 18th homer provided the other three runs. Bad news: B'court left the game with an apparent muscle strain. M's 36-35, 2.5 GB. Box score. Next game Thu vs. SD, 1:40 p.m., Washburn vs. LeBlanc. more ›

The M's finish their nine-game road trip 4-5 after letting the Padres only decent hitter, Adrian Gonzalez, record a four hit day and score the winning run after a two-out double. Brandon Morrow pitched respectably, throwing four innings and walking only one hitter; but this was the Padres. Gooters had two homers, the first multiple HR game of his career. M's 32-34, 5.5 GB. Box score. Next game Fri. vs. ARI, 7:10 p.m.; Washburn vs. Garland. more ›