Time is starting to run out on the Chicago White Sox' chances of returning to the postseason. Tonight, the Pale Hose try to stay in the American League Central race, as they go for a series win in the finale of their three-game set with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

The White Sox did not help their cause any on Wednesday, as they fell 6 1/2 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the division with a 4-1 loss to the Mariners.

Ryan Rowland-Smith stifled Chicago with eight innings of one-run ball, while Jose Lopez stroked an RBI double as part of a 2-for-4 effort and Mike Carp hit his first major league home run in the win for Seattle, which won for only the third time in 10 tries.

The night, though, belonged to Rowland-Smith (4-3), who has now allowed three earned runs or less in each of his last five starts and has lasted a career- high eight frames in three of the last four outings.

"It's all about Rowland-Smith, just a phenomenal job, just outstanding. He just looked so polished tonight, I was awfully proud of him. (I'm) awfully excited about him now and in the future," said Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu.

Gavin Floyd (11-11) lasted three innings before leaving with a sore left hip and gave up three runs on four hits. The young right-hander is just 1-4 over his past five decisions.

"I feel it quite often, it's something I felt I could manage until I felt like it was affecting my pitching a little bit today," Floyd said of the hip. "(The coaches) saw it and they took me out."

Heading to the hill this evening for the Mariners will be righty Brandon Morrow, who is 1-4 on the year with a 5.29 ERA. In his first start since July 10 on Saturday, Morrow picked up the win in Texas, as he held the Rangers to three runs and five hits in five innings.

Morrow, of course, started the season as the Mariners closer.

This will be Morrow's first-ever start against the White Sox. However, he has faced them five times in relief without getting a decisions, but has not allowed a run to them in 4 1/3 frames.

Chicago, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on left-hander John Danks, who is 12-9 with a 3.71 ERA. Danks did not get a decision in Anaheim on Saturday, despite throwing six scoreless innings in his team's 4-3 win.

Danks beat the Mariners the last time he faced them, but is just 1-4 in his five starts against them with a 6.11 ERA.

Chicago has split its eight games with the Mariners this season.