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Seattle Mariners

Mariners drop a pair in split-squad action

Hernandez allows just two hits in six innings

Bob Dutton Tacoma News Tribune

After a clean effort Wednesday night in a 3-2 victory over the Cubs, the Mariners made as quick turnaround Thursday, split their squad and lost two games.

The loss to Kansas City had a familiar feel. Felix Hernandez was dominant – one run in six innings – and departed trailing 1-0. The Royals added two more runs in the eighth against Danny Farquhar and won 3-0 in Peoria, Arizona.

Roenis Elias’ flickering rotation hopes took a major hit when he started the game against Milwaukee in Maryvale by giving up two singles, a walk and a grand slam to Khris Davis. It never got better.

The two losses dropped the Mariners to 10-12-2 with eight games remaining.

Play of the game: Hernandez gave up his only run after bouncing a swinging strike to Casey Kotchman in the third inning after Christian Colon led off with a double to left.

The ball got past catcher Mike Zunino for a wild pitch. The Royals turned that miscue into a run when, after Kotchman struck out, Jarrod Dyson sent a sacrifice fly to center.

Plus: Hernandez was in top form. He have up just two hits in six innings, walked none and struck out four. Manager Lloyd McClendon said, “It was a very good outing and one that I was anxious to see. It was very pleasing to the eye.”… Third baseman Kyle Seager, playing in Peoria, made a short-hop pickup on Paulo Orlando’s leadoff grounder in the fifth inning look routine.

Minus: The Mariners managed just two hits in 5 2/3 innings against Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie. … Tom Wilhelmsen gave up two more runs in his only inning against the Brewers. He has allowed six runs and nine hits in his last 4 1/3 innings. … Farquhar gave up two runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. McClendon said: “He stinks in spring. If he had to make a club in the spring, he’d never make it. You’ve got to know your personnel.”

Job battles: Elias gave up six runs on eight hits and three walks in three innings against the Brewers.

Up next: The Mariners, with a full squad available, play the Royals again today – this time at 6:05 p.m. in Surprise. Plans call for lefty James Paxton to start against right-hander Yordano Ventura, who is scheduled to start for Kansas City in its season opener.