Just as manager Daren Brown planned it, no doubt: get Felix Hernandez out of there after 103 pitches through seven innings, then let the offense score three in the eighth to overcome a 1-0 deficit and win.

The M’s stranded 10 runners tonight, but got enough home in the eighth on a Michael Saunders sac fly and singles by Adam Moore and Josh Wilson. Hey, they’ll take it.

It’s too late to help Hernandez boost his 10-10 record. Hernandez fanned eight, hitting the 10-mark to tie for the league lead. His ERA is down to 2.38 and firmly ensconced in second place in the AL.

His innings pitched are at a runaway 211 1/3 for the league lead.

Yes, he’s a Cy Young contender. Anyone who disagrees has not been paying attention.

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