Rangers, Mariners scuffle in Texas' 5-0 win

SEATTLE — Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer and then got hit by a pitch, setting up a fourth-inning brawl in the Texas Rangers' 5-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.

Richie Sexson charged the mound and flung his helmet at Rangers starter Kason Gabbard after the left-hander threw a pitch eye-high to him in the bottom half.

(enlarge photo) Seattle Mariners' Richie Sexson, second from right, talks to Texas Rangers catcher Gerald Laird as Sexson is ejected after charging Texas Rangers' pitcher Kason Gabbard in the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game in Seattle on Thursday, May 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Both benches cleared, but no punches were thrown. Sexson was ejected.

Gabbard was not, but was removed two batters later with what appeared to be a leg injury and relieved by Franklyn German (1-0), who pitched 1 2-3 innings.

Gabbard, who had just come off the disabled list gave up just two hits in 3 2-3 innings. He and German combined with Jamey Wright, Eddie Guardado and Frank Francisco to shut out the Mariners for the second night in a row, after a 2-0 win on Wednesday. Seattle hasn't scored in 22 straight innings.

Felix Hernandez (2-3) struggled with his control through five innings, allowing four walks and six hits.

Ramon Vazquez had four hits, including a sixth-inning RBI double.

Notes:@ Seattle OF Brad Wilkerson, designated for assignment on April 30, was given his unconditional release Thursday. ... Mariners DH Jose Vidro missed his third straight game with back spasms. "He's feeling better but he's not even close to 100 percent," manager John McLaren said. "We're just taking it day by day." ... Rangers SS Michael Young, who left Wednesday's game in the bottom of the first because of injury to his left hip flexor, was held out. ... Before the game, Gabbard and infielder Travis Metcalf were taken off the DL. LHP A.J. Murray was optioned back to Class AAA Oklahoma City and 1B Ben Broussard was designated for assignment.

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