SEATTLE, April 19 (UPI) -- Early-season Seattle phenom Felix Hernandez left in the first with elbow discomfort Wednesday, clearing the way for Minnesota to slip past the Mariners 5-4.
The right-hander gave up three runs on two hits over just one-third of an inning before being lifted in favor of Jake Woods. Hernandez (2-1) was coming off a one-hitter against Boston, and had yielded no runs and just four hits over 17 innings in his first two starts before Wednesday's setback. He will be re-evaluated Thursday.
Justin Morneau drove in two runs and Joe Mauer scored twice for the Twins. Michael Cuddyer and Mike Redmond also drove in runs for Minnesota, and Luis Castillo scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch.
Carlos Silva (1-1) allowed three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Joe Nathan got his fourth save but nearly coughed up the lead in the ninth. A strong relay throw with two outs prevented the tying run from scoring.
Richie Sexson hit a three-run homer for Seattle that made it 5-3 and Jose Vidro hit an RBI single before the rally was stuffed by Minnesota.
