Seattle's 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 of the inning.

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 of the disabled list, gave up 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 consecutive game after a 2-0 win on Wednesday. Seattle hasn’t scored in 22 innings . Hernandez (2-3) struggled with his control through five innings, allowing four walks and six hits.

Former Mariner Ramon Vazquez had four hits, including a sixth-inning RBI double, for the Rangers.

Outfielder Brad Wilkerson, who designated for assignment on April 30, was given his unconditional release Thursday by the Mariners.

Designated hitter Jose Vidro missed his third consecutive 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.”