The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers were closing out a three game set in Arlington, Texas with what was thought to be a great pitching matchup at Globe Life Park.

Felix Hernandez got the start for the Mariners against a Rangers team looking to keep their paws on the number one spot in the AL West. Hernandez had a solid game for Seattle against a stingy Texas offense. The King lasted 5.2 innings giving up two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking five as well. He was taken out as a precaution for a stiff elbow after 105 pitches and is expected to make his next start.

The Rangers did crack the scoreboard first in this one behind a solo shot from Mitch Moreland in the second inning. That got the Rangers out in front early, but that lead didn't last long.

Seattle got the offense going after a single by Robinson Cano and then a wild pitch, both of which happened in the fourth inning. The Rangers, however, knotted the game back up at two a piece when Elvis Andrus singled to score Rougned Odor.

Then in the fifth inning, the Mariners posted a six spot which ended Derek Holland's day for the Rangers. It all started by a two RBI double by Kyle Seager which scored Stefen Romero and Ketel Marte. That was followed by a three run shot by Robinson Cano to put Seattle up 7-2. Finally, Franklin Gutierrez blasted a solo home run, his 15th, to put the Mariners ahead 8-2.

Holland's final line was 4.1 innings and gave up seven runs on seven hits while striking out just three and walking five.

In the ninth inning, the Mariners tacked on one more as Seth Smith hit a sac fly that scored Shawn O'Malley which put the icing on the cake for the Mariners.

It was a tough offensive game for the Rangers as they could tally just four hits in this one compared to the Mariners' 14. Kyle Seager led the Seattle attack in this one going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Robby Cano and Jesus Sucre also tallied two hits in this one, although Cano had four RBI.

While Seattle may be a long shot at the playoffs, the Rangers really dropped the ball this weekend as after sweeping the Astros and overtaking the AL West, they just lost this series to the Mariners. It was a series that they needed to take advantage of, but will now have to get back on track this week.

After taking two of three from Texas, the Mariners continue their road trip to face another playoff bound team in the Kansas City Royals starting Tuesday. As for Texas, they head up to Oakland for a series with the A's starting on Tuesday as well.

WP: Felix Hernandez (18-9, 3.54 ERA)

LP: Derek Holland (3-3, 4.75 ERA)