Royals 3, Mariners 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jarrod Dyson led off a two-run fifth with an infield single and Will Smith pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals topped the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Monday.
Mariners starter Felix Hernandez left with two out in the seventh with cramps in his lower back. He was replaced by Oliver Perez.
After Dyson's hit, he moved to third on an Alcides Escobar single. Dyson scored on a Hernandez wild pitch, while Escobar, who extended his hitting streak to seven games, scored on an Emilo Bonifacio sacrifice fly. Escobar also swiped two and is a perfect 18-for-18 in stolen base attempts.
Smith (2-1) replaced a struggling Danny Duffy in the fourth inning and struck out eight of the 14 batters he faced. Greg Holland worked the ninth to log his 37th save.
Hernandez, who was 1-4 with a 7.00 ERA in his past five starts, struck out Mike Moustakas in the sixth for his 200th strikeout this season. It is fifth consecutive 200-strikeout season.
The Mariners missed an opportunity to score in the first when with one out Nick Franklin walked and Kyle Seager singled to center. Duffy struck out Kendrys Morales and Justin Smoak to strand the runners.
The Mariners threatened in the second. Michael Saunders opened with a bunt single and Mike Zunino walked, but Seattle again came away empty.
Seattle got its first two runners on in the third on another Franklin walk and Seager single, but once more failed to score.
The Mariners broke through in the fourth. Abraham Almonte doubled with two outs and scored on Brad Miller's triple to right. After Duffy walked Franklin for the third time, Smith replaced him.
Duffy, who had pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings in winning his previous two starts, was charged with one run on five hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings, but got a no-decision.
Seager and Miller combined for five of the seven Seattle hits.
Notes: The Mariners will recall RHP Erasmo Ramirez and start him Tuesday against the Royals. He has been the beneficiary of a 6.32 run support in his nine big league starts this season. ... The Mariners recalled Zunino from Triple-A Tacoma and activated him from the disabled list. He missed 34 games with a broken left hamate. ... The Mariners and Royals, who play seven times in September, met for the first time this season. This is the latest the Mariners have met an AL team for the first time. ... Duffy is 2-8 with a 5.26 ERA at home in his career.
