SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners had worked themselves back from down five runs to having the game-tying run at the plate against the San Diego Padres on Saturday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

With runners at first and second and one out, center fielder Julio Rodriguez grounded into a force out and first baseman Josh Naylor grounded out and the Mariners fell 7-4 to the Padres.

Seattle (22-25) fell 2.5 games behind the Athletics for first place in the American League West at the time of the loss. The M's were unable to create separation from their division rivals, the Texas Rangers, for the final AL wild card spot.

San Diego built its multi-run lead over the M's in large part due to a multi-run fourth inning.

The Padres entered the top of the fourth up 1-0 after first baseman Gavin Sheets hit a lead-off solo home run in the second inning.

Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert, who moved up to fifth on the franchise's all-time strikeout leaders list Saturday, gave up back-to-back one-out walks to designated hitter Manny Machado and Sheets, respectively. He also allowed a single to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, which set San Diego up with the bases loaded and one out.

In that situation, there was a brief disruption in the game when third baseman Miguel Andujar appeared to be unable to check his swing on a potential strike three call. First base umpire Chad Fairchild ruled that Andujar didn't go, which brought out manager Dan Wilson.

Wilson was ejected due to his protest. It was the first time the M's skipper has been booted from a game this year.

"He just didn't like the way I reacted," Wilson said after the game. "That's just kind of the way it went. It's just a frustrating moment."

Following the brief intermission, Andujar grounded into a forceout which brought in a run. San Diego right fielder Nick Castellanos hit a three-run homer that bolstered his team's advantage to 5-0 through the top of the fourth.

Seattle cut its deficit to three with one run apiece in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. Second baseman Cole Young hit an RBI single in the fourth inning and J.P. Crawford hit a solo homer in the fifth.

The Mariners had the opportunity to chip more runs away from the Padres lead in both frames.

Seattle left runners stranded on the corners in the fourth and Naylor at first in the fifth.

The Mariners finished the game 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight.

San Diego went 3-for-4 in its opportunities with runners in scoring position and left just two on base.

Seattle's 5-2 deficit carried into the top of the seventh inning. With two outs, Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano hit a double and catcher Rodolfo Duran hit his first career homer (and overall base hit) — a two-run shot to left center field.

That hit marked the end of the day for Gilbert, who finished with five strikeouts, two walks and seven earned runs allowed on five hits (three home runs) in 6.2 innings pitched.

"The home runs weren't the bad part," Gilbert said. "It was the two walks before that that was the worst part. I don't really care about a first-pitch home run. I'm never gonna be upset about that. It was a strike and it was decent pitches, it wasn't horrible. Really the worst thing you can fall into right there is just walking people. Just trying to attack like always."

The Mariners weren't quite out of it. They scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth. Left fielder Randy Arozarena hit an RBI single and Young grounded into a forceout that brought home Naylor.

Once again, Seattle was unable to move another runner home and pinch-hitter/designated hitter Rob Refsnyder grounded into a forceout in which Young was thrown out at second to end the inning.

Rodriguez robbed Duran of a second potential homer with a leaping grab at center field for the final out of the top of the ninth. The grab was in front of the "J-Rod" section at T-Mobile Park and kept the Mariners' deficit at four for their ultimately ill-fated comeback attempt in the bottom of the ninth.

"It definitely felt good to save some runs there and be able to make the play for the team," Rodriguez said in a postgame interview. " ... I was happy (it was in front of the "No Fly Zone), can't lie. That's a great spot. I'm sure they got a great view from that."

Seattle will try to salvage a game against San Diego in the series finale at 4:20 p.m. PT on Sunday at T-Mobile Park.

George Kirby will start for the Mariners and Lucas Giolito will start in his Padres debut.

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