ARLINGTON, Texas, April 12 (UPI) -- A grand slam by Ruben Sierra highlighted a five-run first inning Friday night as the Seattle Mariners extended their winning streak to five games with a 7-3 triumph over the Texas Rangers.
Seattle, which won 116 games and dominated the American League West last season, split its first six games, but they have won their next five games -- all on the road. Seattle was 59-22 away from home in 2001.
The Mariners jumped all over Rangers starter Ismael Valdes (0-2) in the first inning. Valdes allowed singles to Ichiro Suzuki and Jeff Cirillo before issuing a walk to Bret Boone.
Valdes retired John Olerud but hit Mike Cameron to make it 1-0. Sierra, a former Ranger, then belted a 2-0 pitch over the wall in
right-center for his fifth career grand slam.
Moyer (1-1) allowed two runs and four hits in five-plus innings.
Ryan Franklin came on after Moyer issued a leadoff walk to Carl Everett. Franklin retired Gabe Kapler, but allowed a double to rookie Hank Blalock and a single to Kevin Mench before Arthur Rhodes came on to close the sixth inning.
Jeff Nelson allowed a hit in 1 1/3 innings and closer Kazuhiro Sasaki worked around a triple in a non-save situation.
