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MIN@SEA: Diamond hurls 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball

Scott Diamond was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball for throwing at Josh Hamilton on Thursday, yet the left-hander is preparing for Tuesday's game against the Mariners like he will make the start.

"I thought I got the hook a little early," Diamond said after Thursday's game. "I was a little frustrated because I thought a warning would have been issued, but that's the way it goes. I was trying to work in on the pitch and it definitely got away from me. My control wasn't as great tonight. I'm just glad nobody got hurt."

Because he disagrees with the suspension, Diamond is appealing the decision. A player remains eligible until a dispute is settled. Therefore, the southpaw continues to prepare like Tuesday will be a regular start.

"Some things could change based on the appeal," Diamond said. "I'm going to do the same no matter what."

The Mariners will counter with 31-year-old Japanese rookie Hisashi Iwakuma, who looks to build off of two consecutive starts in which he allowed one earned run. Iwakuma began the season as a long reliever, but slid into the rotation and will be making his 10th start.

"He's a guy that has worked his way into the rotation and done a nice job," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "I'm curious to see how he finishes the season out, pitching in the rotation and getting regular work as a starter. We've seen him in multiple roles this year, which is helpful to us as we evaluate him and look at him as the year heads down the stretch. But as a starter, it'll be interesting to see how he finishes the year off."

Mariners: Hernandez provides another gem
• After a shutout on Monday, Felix Hernandez is 9-0 with a 1.40 ERA over his last 14 starts, which is a stretch that spans back to June 17. Monday's win was Hernandez's fourth shutout win this season by a 1-0 score.

Twins: Mauer breaks franchise record for games caught
• Joe Mauer broke the Twins' team record on Monday for the most games caught. Mauer caught his 832nd game, breaking Earl Battey's previous record set from 1961-67.

• Liam Hendriks went the distance for the first time in his young career on Monday, throwing nine innings of one-run ball in his 14th career start. Hendriks was stuck with the loss, though, as Hernandez outdueled him with a shutout.

Worth noting
• The Mariners have hit a home run in 10 straight games, the longest streak since they hit homers in 11 consecutive games from Aug. 16-27, 2009.

• In three at-bats against Diamond in his career, Justin Smoak is 2-for-3 with a double and home run.

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