MLB: Texas 5, Seattle 0

SEATTLE, May 9 (UPI) -- Ian Kinsler's two-run homer staked Texas to an early lead Thursday and the Rangers recorded their second straight shutout of Seattle 5-0.

The game featured a benches-clearing brawl that left Texas starting pitcher Kason Gabbard with a bruised leg.

Texas won for the seventh time in nine games and the Mariners have lost eight out of nine.

Seattle's scoreless inning streak was extended to 22 and the Mariners have totaled just six hits in their last two games -- four coming Thursday.

Gabbard came off the disabled list to start Thursday's game and enjoyed a 4-0 lead going into the fourth.

Seattle starter Felix Hernandez (2-3) had already hit two batters when Gabbard threw a pitch to Richie Sexson that was high but over the plate. Sexson charged the mound, threw his helmet at Gabbard and wrestled Gabbard to the ground. Sexson was ejected and although Gabbard was not kicked out of the game, he had to leave because of a leg bruise.

Franklyn German (1-0) came in to pitch 1 2/3 innings for the win and three more relievers combined to complete the shutout.

Kinsler's homer gave Texas a 4-0 lead in the second.