Rangers 2, Mariners 0
Miles Mikolas scattered three hits over eight innings and J.P. Arencibia delivered an RBI single in the fourth as visiting Texas won the opener of the three-game series.
Elvis Andrus and Leonys Martin each singled and scored a run for the Rangers, who have won four of their last 11 contests overall and eight of the 13 meetings with their American League West rival. Tomas Telis recorded his first career hit on a bunt single in the seventh inning.
Logan Morrison recorded two of the four singles for the Mariners, who fell for just the fifth time in 19 contests and saw their lead over idle Detroit in the race for the second AL wild card dip to one-half game. Roenis Elias (9-11) saw his pitch count elevate after walking four batters and exited after five innings despite allowing one run on three hits.
Mikolas (2-5) struck out five during his 92-pitch performance to secure his fourth career win - and first since July 21. Neftali Feliz retired the side in the ninth for his seventh save.
Arencibia opened the scoring by sending a 1-0 changeup from Elias to left field for a one-out single that plated Andrus. Texas doubled its advantage in the seventh as Martin singled to lead off the inning, advanced to second on a throwing error and came around to score on a forceout by Rougned Odor.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Texas' Shin-Soo Choo is expected to undergo surgery on his left elbow later in the week and will not play again this season. The Rangers recalled fellow OF Michael Choice from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the available roster spot. ... Elias walked six in his previous outing and has issued at least three free passes in four of his last seven starts. ... Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre went 0-for-3 after recording two hits in each of his previous five games.