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King Felix hopes for a little run support in Oakland

Apr 7, 2012 - 2:37 PM (Sports Network) - It was the same old story for Felix Hernandez in his opener against Oakland two weeks ago. Tonight, he again hopes for a little run support when the Mariners conclude a brief two-game set with the Athletics at the Coliseum.

Hernandez, who was pushed back a day so he could start next week's home opener, was terrific on Opening Day in Japan, as he allowed a run and five hits in eight innings. He also struck out six, but was denied a decision in his team's 3-1 extra-inning win.

The right-hander, who will turn 26 on Sunday, faced the A's 22 times and is an impressive 12-4 against them with a 2.47 ERA.

Oakland, meanwhile, will rely on veteran righty Bartolo Colon, who was absolutely brilliant in his debut versus the Mariners on March 29. Colon scattered three hits and run in eight innings to nail down the win.

"One of the reasons we brought him in was his veteran presence," A's manager Bob Melvin said after that win. "He's the perfect guy to pitch in a game like this. We lose last night in a tough game and he goes out there and does his thing for us."

In 30 starts against the Mariners Colon is 15-11 with a 4.01 ERA.

On Friday, Chone Figgins and Kyle Seager each knocked in two runs, helping Seattle to a 7-3 win. Ichiro Suzuki and Jesus Montero each drove in a run for the Mariners, who had 13 hits.

"I think you saw a number of our guys put up the type of at-bats that you want to see," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said.

Jason Vargas (1-0) gave up two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings to pick up his first win of the season.

Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run homer and became the first player in Oakland Athletics history to homer twice in his first three major league games. Since 1918, the only other Athletic to homer twice in his first three games was fellow Cuban, Bert Campaneris.

Brandon McCarthy (0-1) allowed five runs -- two earned -- on seven hits over five full frames. He fell to 2-6 lifetime against Seattle.

"The whole game was very disappointing to me," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "You want to put on a good show. We don't get many crowds like that."

Seattle was 10-9 against the A's last season.