Mariners ace Hernandez removed as precaution with tight quad

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez was removed from his Sunday start at Oakland after five innings as a precaution because of tightness in his right quadriceps muscle.

After falling behind 3-0, Seattle rallied with a four-run sixth to take the lead and keep Hernandez in position to win - and keep intact his unbeaten streak at the Coliseum dating to 2009.

In the bottom of the fifth, athletic trainer Rick Griffin and manager Lloyd McClendon came to the mound to check on Hernandez. The right-hander stayed in the game.

He was trying for his 20th victory against the A's, which would pass John Lackey for most among active pitchers.