Mariners No Longer Intimidate Woodard

SEATTLE — Rookie Steve Woodard proved he’s a fast learner.

Avenging a pounding 10 days earlier, Woodard overcame Ken Griffey Jr.’s 37th home run and pitched the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-3 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday.

Woodard (2-1) gave up only four hits in seven innings, struck out six, walked one and gave up solo homers to Griffey and Russ Davis. On Aug. 2, Woodard allowed six runs in two innings in a 14-4 loss to the Mariners in Milwaukee.

“He got his changeup up the last time and they went at him pretty good,” Brewer Manager Phil Garner said. “Today, he threw well and he didn’t make any mistakes.”

Said Woodard: “I think the first time was more intimidating. Now, I’ve kind of adjusted to it a little bit and I can’t be afraid of them.”

Reliever Bob Wickman escaped a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the eighth to preserve a 4-3 lead. He got Edgar Martinez to ground into a forceout at the plate and struck out Jay Buhner on a 3-and-2 pitch.

Doug Jones pitched the ninth for his 24th save.

Mike Matheny, the Brewers’ No. 9 hitter, had a three-run homer in the second inning against Jeff Fassero. Fassero, who had won his previous three decisions, struck out a season-high 10 in seven innings but dropped to 11-7.