(Sports Network) – Justin Smoak belted a three-run homer in his return to the Lone Star State, and the Seattle Mariners held on to beat the Rangers, 7-5, on an evening Texas celebrated its first division title in 11 years.
Texas’ first-round pick in 2008, Smoak was dealt to the Mariners in the trade involving pitcher Cliff Lee.
Franklin Gutierrez had two hits, knocked in a run and scored twice for Seattle, which had lost 13 of its last 17 road games. David Pauley (4-8) gave up two runs on eight hits in six innings to win his second straight start.
Nelson Cruz launched a three-run homer and Vladimir Guerrero added a solo shot for the Rangers, who returned home from a 5-5 road trip during which they clinched their first playoff spot and AL West crown since 1999.
Texas raised the division championship flag and unfurled a banner prior to the opener of this three-game set.
The September woes continued for Rangers starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (14-8) after he was tagged for six runs on eight hits over five full frames. The left-hander is winless (0-3) in five outings this month.