Rookie Leone contributing to solid bullpen

SEATTLE -- The Mariners' bullpen had combined for an eight-inning scoreless streak over two games entering Friday night's opener against the A's.

Seattle relievers led the American League and were third in MLB with a 1.75 ERA in 25 2/3 innings. In eight games, the bullpen's only major blemish came when Hector Noesi grooved a fastball to A's outfielder Coco Crisp, who smashed it for a 12th-inning walk-off homer April 3 in Oakland.

The next day, Noesi was designated for assignment, and 22-year old reliever Dominic Leone was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. In two big appearances through Thursday, Leone hadn't given up a run, with two strikeouts and a walk in 2 1/3 innings.

"It was a quick turnaround," Leone said. "The spring was good to me. I was fortunate enough to pitch well and get to bond with these guys and get to know a lot of them. It wasn't awkward. It's not like I didn't know anybody. I was with them about a week ago."