Mariners 9, Royals 4: Casper Wells homered, tripled and drove in a career-high five runs as visiting Seattle cruised to victory in the opener of the four-game series.

The Mariners built a 5-0 lead against Jonathan Sanchez before an out was recorded as Wells followed a leadoff walk to Dustin Ackley and a single by Ichiro Suzuki with his fifth blast of the season. After Jesus Montero singled, Justin Smoak launched his first home run since June 19.

Brendan Ryan and Ackley started the second inning with singles, and Wells delivered a one-out triple to make it 7-0. Suzuki hit an RBI triple in the fourth and Ackley belted a solo shot in the sixth as Seattle won for the second time in three games after losing five of six.

Jason Vargas (9-7) allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings en route to his second straight victory. The left-hander, who walked three without a strikeout, has won three of his four career starts against the Royals.

Sanchez (1-6) was pulled after surrendering seven runs and seven hits in just 1 1/3 frames. The southpaw, who is 0-6 in 11 starts since winning his season debut, has yielded six or more runs in three of his last four home outings.

Salvador Perez and All-Star Billy Butler homered for Kansas City, which fell to 1-3 on its 10-game homestand.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Seattle SS Ryan left in the second inning with a bruised left knee. Ryan singled and scored after fouling a ball off the knee in the top of the frame but was replaced defensively by Munenori Kawasaki in the bottom half. ... Kansas City LHP Everett Teaford was scheduled to start Tuesday's game before being brought in from the bullpen Monday. Teaford tossed five innings, allowing one run and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts. ... Royals RF Jeff Francoeur recorded his ninth assist of the season when he threw out Michael Saunders at third base in the eighth inning.