Hernandez dominant as Mariners top Atlanta Braves, 4-2

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

photo Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez throws against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, in Seattle.

SEATTLE - Felix Hernandez allowed one run in eight innings, extending his major league record streak of games with at least seven innings and two or fewer runs to 15, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Tuesday.

Hernandez (12-3) struck out eight and walked one. His earned run average dropped to an American League-leading 1.97.

Alex Wood (7-9) worked six innings, allowing five hits, just one earned run, walked four and struck out five for the Braves, who have lost seven in a row. Jason Heyward had two hits in defeat.

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Fernando Rodney allowed a run in the ninth but earned his 31st save in 34 opportunities.

Hernandez also tied Gaylord Perry's 1974 streak of 15 straight starts with at least seven innings and allowing two or fewer earned runs.

During his streak Hernandez is 8-2. His teammates had scored just 10 runs in his previous five starts, when he went 1-1 with three no-decisions.

A fourth-inning error by Braves second baseman Tommy La Stella contributed directly to the Mariners go-ahead runs. With the score at 1-all, two outs and runners on third and second, Chris Taylor popped up behind the first-base bag. La Stella camped under it, leaned back and it caromed off his glove.

Both runners scored and Taylor advanced to second. He scored on Austin Jackson's single to left.

In interleague play, Hernandez has a 17-7 record and is 5-0 with a 1.20 ERA in his last eight starts against National League teams. He has the best-ever ERA in interleague play, 2.54.