SEATTLE -- Erik Bedard returned from the disabled list tonight and gave a winning performance for the Seattle Mariners. He gave up just two hits in 6 2-3 scoreless innings as the Mariners beat Oakland 5-3.

Bedard hadn't started for three weeks because of inflammation in his left hip. But his only mistakes tonight were four walks, a double to Bobby Crosby in the fifth inning and a single to Emil Brown in the seventh. He struck out four.

Seattle's Greg Norton, hitting in the designated hitter spot, had three hits and three RBI, including a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth.

Bedard used his sharp fastball and offspeed pitches to keep the A's guessing. Bedard threw 19 first-pitch strikes and there were only two fly-ball outs off Bedard that reached the outfield.

After Bedard left the game, Seattle's bullpen continued to be shaky, including closer J.J. Putz. He gave up two runs in the ninth inning before Mark Sweeney grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game.