Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Joe Mauer had three hits with two RBI and Scott Baker pitched into the seventh inning, as the American League Central- leading Minnesota Twins beat Seattle, 6-3, in the opener of a three-game series at Safeco Field.
Baker (12-9) gave up two runs on five hits and three walks to win his fifth straight decision.
Danny Valencia hit a two-run triple for Minnesota, which avoided a four-game sweep at Texas with a 6-4 victory Thursday. The Twins also remained 3 1/2 games ahead of Chicago in the division standings after the White Sox beat the Yankees earlier Friday.
Chone Figgins knocked in a pair of runs for the Mariners, which returned home after splitting their season-high 12-game road trip. Jason Vargas (9-7) allowed five runs -- four earned -- on nine hits in six innings.