Felix not yet at top form following long layoff

PITTSBURGH — Felix Hernandez didn’t have anything close to his “A” game Tuesday in his second start since coming off the disabled list, but the Mariners’ ace had enough to get the win against the Pirates with a lot of help from his friends in a 7-4 victory at PNC Park.

Hernandez spotted the Pirates a 4-1 lead after two innings, thanks in part to solo home runs by Gregory Polanco and starting pitcher Francisco Liriano.

But just as he did in his first game back from a strained right calf that sidelined him nearly two months, Hernandez recovered well enough from his sluggish start and pitched deep enough into the game this time to pick up the win as he improved to 5-4 with a 3.45 ERA.

Hernandez admitted to frustration over his early issues and lack of command as he works back from a long layoff.

“A little bit,” he said. “I’m not that kind of pitcher out there, giving up four runs the first two innings and then shutting down. I’ve got to make an adjustment.”

Hernandez fell behind 4-2 after two frames in his previous outing against the White Sox, finishing with a no-decision when Seattle rallied for an 11-inning win after he’d allowed …

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