Hernandez tosses complete-game shutout to win pitchers' duel over Archer

Chris Archer outpitched Felix Hernandez for eight innings at Tropicana Field on Wednesday. The ninth, however, belonged to the King.

Hernandez threw his second shutout of the season and Nelson Cruz hit a tie-breaking three-run homer off Brad Boxberger in the ninth, helping the Seattle Mariners complete a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with a 3-0 win in Wednesday's series finale.

The Mariners right-hander retired the final 10 batters he faced, including the last two by way of strike out, during an efficient 101-pitch outing. Archer, who entered the start with back-to-back one-run outings, was even better.

Archer has now pitched scoreless outings in five of his 11 starts this season, while the 12 strikeouts represent a season-high. Manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game he pulled Archer after just 95 pitches because he didn't want to risk yanking his starter mid-inning.

Hernandez, meanwhile, extended his MLB-leading win total to eight and lowered his ERA to 1.91 by allowing two earned runs or fewer for the eighth time in 10 tries this season.

Cruz's ninth-inning homer gave him sole possession of the major league lead with 18.