Cruz hits 40th HR, Hernandez wins, Mariners top Rangers

SEATTLE (AP) — Nelson Cruz reached 40 home runs for the second straight season, Felix Hernandez pitched three-hit ball for eight innings and the Seattle Mariners downed the Texas Rangers 5-0 Thursday.

Texas was shut out for the second straight day. The Rangers' lead for the second AL wild-card spot was cut to one game over idle Minnesota.

Cruz missed the previous six games because of a strained right quadriceps. He matched his career high for homers set last season with Baltimore.

Hernandez (17-8) struck out eight and walked four. He tied Houston's Dallas Keuchel for the most victories in the AL.

Derek Holland (3-2) worked seven innings, allowing all five runs and nine hits.