SEATTLE — Yovani Gallardo pitched six scoreless innings, Robinson Chirinos homered and the Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 3-1 Friday night.
Gallardo (2-1) got three double plays to help stop Mariners rallies, and walked two and struck out three.
Shawn Tolleson worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the seventh. Tanner Scheppers gave up a run in the eighth on Seth Smith’s sacrifice fly and Neftali Feliz got the last three outs for his second save. It was also Feliz’s 12th save in 12 chances against Seattle.
Prince Fielder put the Rangers ahead with an RBI double in the first, driving in Leonys Martin from first base. Chirinos made it 2-0 in the fifth with his second homer of the season, and Adam Rosales added a two-out RBI single in the ninth.
Mariners starter J.A. Happ (0-1) gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out three.
Nelson Cruz had three hits, all singles, ending his power streak. He had hit five home runs in the previous five games.
Trainer’s room
Mariners: RHP Tom Wilhelmson (hyper extended right elbow), who was placed on the DL last Saturday (retroactive to April 11) has spent the week resting his arm. He’s expected to begin throwing again this weekend.
Rangers: 1B Mitch Moreland was a late scratch because of a sore left elbow. Rosales started at first. … RHP Tanner Scheppers (right ankle sprain) was activated from the DL before the game.
Closing the door
Feliz has thrown 27 scoreless innings in 22 appearances against the Mariners. Seattle batters have hit just .080 against him (7 of 87) overall and .031 (1 of 32) at Safeco Field.
Close by his side
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon is not concerned over the uneven performances of closer Fernando Rodney against the L.A. Dodgers this week. He blew one save and gave up four runs in the ninth in another. “It’s not the first time he’s struggled and it won’t be the last time he struggles. …Trust me, closers don’t grow on trees. I have full confidence that he’ll bounce back and get it done.”
Up next
Mariners: There was some uncertainty whether RHP Felix Hernandez (1-0, 3.00) would make his scheduled start Saturday because of a tweaked ankle and tender quadriceps. But he downplayed the injuries and manager Lloyd McClendon said he will be ready. The Mariners have not had a win from a starter since Hernandez’s Opening Day victory.
Rangers: RHP Colby Lewis (1-0, 3.38) has had six-days rest since his last start Sunday against Houston, a 6-4 loss. He has a career 3.91 ERA against Seattle and has thrown two complete games in Safeco Field.
