SEATTLE -- Run support. No run support. Right now, it barely matters when Felix Hernandez is pitching for the Mariners.
Hernandez dazzled again Sunday at Safeco Field, allowing one hit -- a dribbling single from third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall -- over eight shutout innings, as the Mariners beat the Indians, 3-0, to take two of three from Cleveland and finish their homestand with a 4-2 mark.
With the win, Hernandez improved to 10-2 while his ERA dropped to a microscopic 2.10.
 
Hernandez strikes out 9, Mariners top Indians 3-0
 
He fanned nine and walked three. Dating back to May 18, Hernandez has pitched at least sevens innings while allowing two runs or fewer in each of his nine starts. He entered Sunday's rubber game with a 5-1 record and 1.48 ERA in those games, then outdueled Cleveland southpaw T.J. House, who was recalled early Sunday because right-handed pitcher Justin Masterson was scratched due to knee soreness.
The Mariners' offense was lifeless until the sixth inning, when outfielder Michael Saunders reached on a swinging-bunt single. When House fielded the bunt, it looked as if the play at first was going to be close, but he threw wide of the bag and down the right field line, allowing Saunders to reach third.
Second baseman Robinson Cano then broke an 0-for-14 slump with a two-run homer that landed well into the seats down the right-field line. The Mariners led 2-0, and that's all the offense they'd need on an afternoon Hernandez dominated, though catcher Mike Zunino added an insurance run with an RBI single in the eighth inning.
The 28-year-old right hander didn't allow a hit until Chisenhall led off the fifth inning with a slow-bouncing single back through the middle. Next up, right fielder David Murphy lined out to third baseman Kyle Seager, who threw to first and doubled off Chisenhall.
In the first inning, Willie Bloomquist led-off with a single. After Saunders struck out, Cano grounded into a force out at second on what should have been an inning-ending double play. But first baseman Nick Swisher dropped shortstop Mike Aviles' ensuing throw. Swisher was charged with an error, then Seager singled before catcher Zunino walked, loading the bases.
The Indians escaped falling behind when designated hitter Logan Morrison fanned to end the inning.
Closer Fernando Rodney worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 23rd save in 25 chances.
Adam Lewis / MLB.com
 

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