Sexson ejected, Mariners dejected

SEATTLE – Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer and then got hit by a pitch, setting up a fourth-inning brawl in the Texas Rangers’ 5-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.

Richie Sexson charged the mound and flung his helmet at Rangers starter Kason Gabbard after the left-hander threw a pitch eye-high to him in the bottom half.

Both benches cleared, but no punches were thrown. Sexson was ejected.

Gabbard was not, but was removed two batters later with what appeared to be a leg injury and relieved by Franklyn German (1-0), who pitched 12/3 innings.

Gabbard, who had just come off the disabled list gave up just two hits in 32/3 innings.

He and German combined with Jamey Wright, Eddie Guardado and Frank Francisco to shut out the Mariners for the second night in a row, after a 2-0 win on Wednesday.

Seattle hasn’t scored in 22 straight innings.

Felix Hernandez (2-3) struggled with his control through five innings, allowing four walks and six hits.

Ramon Vazquez had four hits, including a sixth-inning RBI double.

Notes

Designated hitter Jose Vidro was feeling better after a bout with back spasms. “He’s not even close to 100 percent, so we’re taking it day by day,” manager John McLaren said. … The Mariners asked waivers on right fielder Brad Wilkerson in order to grant him his unconditional release. They designated Wilkerson for assignment April 30 when Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentien were called up. … Clement didn’t start Thursday against Rangers left-hander Kason Gabbard, even though he has hit left-handers well in the minor leagues. McLaren said he was giving a mental break to Clement, who had struck out in 11 of his 23 at-bats. “He’s trying to get his feet on the ground, they’re making some tough pitches on him and he’s pressing,” McLaren said. … One of McLaren’s beefs with the hitters in Wednesday’s 2-0 loss was their tendency to change their approach and overswing, even though they were in a close game. “It looks like a lot of our guys are trying to do too much,” he said. “I thought we had a lot of wild swings.”