Mariners 4, Angels 1
Felix Hernandez allowed one hit and struck out seven in 5 1/3 scoreless innings as host Seattle closed its season by topping Los Angeles.
Hernandez (15-6) did not walk a batter while lowering his ERA to an American League-leading 2.14 for the Mariners, who learned during the game that their shot at a wild-card spot ended when Oakland posted a 4-0 win over Texas. Michael Saunders and Mike Zunino each drove in a pair of runs for Seattle.
Albert Pujols recorded the lone hit off Hernandez with a first-inning single and John McDonald drove in a run in the ninth for the Angels, who pulled most of their starters when the game ceased to be important in the race. Cory Rasmus (3-2) surrendered two runs in three innings to absorb the loss.
Logan Morrison singled and scored on a double off the wall in center in the second inning by Saunders, who added his second RBI double in the fourth. Zunino followed with a single to plate Morrison and Saunders, capping a three-run rally.
Hernandez opened the sixth inning after the final of the Oakland-Texas game had been posted and recorded the first out before leaving to a standing ovation from the home crowd. Four relievers combined to finish it off as the Mariners completed a three-game sweep and finished with a winning record at home (41-40).
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Angels earned the top spot in the AL playoffs and will take on the wild card winner at home for Game 1 on Thursday. … Hernandez benefited from a scoring change earlier in the week that lowered his ERA to 2.18, and his 5 1/3 scoreless innings were enough to push him below Chicago’s Chris Sale (2.17). … Los Angeles LHP Hector Santiago, who made his final start of the regular season Wednesday, worked two scoreless innings of relief to tune up for the postseason.