Felix flusters Royals to tie Mariners’ wins mark

SEATTLE — Felix Hernandez threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings and Seth Smith belted a decisive homer to give the Mariners a 1-0 win over the Royals, who allowed just one hit, in Friday night’s series opener at Safeco Field.

Hernandez evened his record at 2-2 with a 1.38 ERA as he allowed five hits with three walks and four strikeouts, while tying Jamie Moyer for most career wins by a Mariners pitcher with 145.

Nick Vincent replaced Hernandez with a runner on third and two out in the eighth and retired Lorenzo Cain on a grounder to second. Steve Cishek worked the ninth for his sixth save — thanks to a wall-slamming catch by center fielder Leonys Martin for the final out — as the Mariners improved to 12-10.

Royals starter Kris Medlen gave up only one hit in 5 1/3 innings, but that one hit was Smith’s solo homer leading off the sixth. Medlen walked four batters in the first two frames, but then retired 10 in a row before Smith’s blast. The Royals’ four-game skid matches their longest losing streak of last season and they’ve lost five straight on the road in falling to 12-10.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDLeaving ’em stranded: Hernandez pitched his way out of trouble with runners in scoring position early and often, …

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