Mariners 2, Pirates 1: Jesus Montero belted a go-ahead solo homer and Felix Hernandez pitched eight strong innings as visiting Seattle earned a split of the two-game series.

Hernandez (5-2) allowed six hits, one run and struck out five to win his fourth consecutive start and Tom Wilhelmsen pitched the final inning for his ninth save. Montero’s homer in the seventh snapped a 1-1 tie and Michael Saunders walked three times, scored a run and stole a base for the Mariners.

Pittsburgh starter A.J. Burnett (3-3) gave up two runs on two hits and four walks, striking out nine over seven innings. Starling Marte had a pair of hits and Andrew McCutchen knocked in the only run for the Pirates.

Marte doubled to lead off the first inning and came home on McCutchen’s one-out RBI single for a 1-0 lead. Seattle tied the game in the fourth with a pair of walks and two wild pitches by Burnett, one of which allowed Saunders to score.

Jordy Mercer doubled to lead off the fifth for the Pirates, but was stranded at third when Hernandez struck out Burnett and Marte to end the threat. Montero hit Burnett’s 100th pitch into the seats in center field with one out in the seventh to give Seattle the lead for good.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Pittsburgh C Russell Martin, who was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup with a stiff neck, sat out his second straight contest. … Seattle returns home Friday for a three-game series against Oakland before playing nine straight road contests. … The Pirates recalled RHP Duke Welker and optioned infielder Josh Harrison to Triple-A Indianapolis.