Ramirez pitches well as Mariners fall 5-3 to Rangers

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Colby Lewis threw five scoreless innings for the Texas Rangers in a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

Mariners right-hander Erasmo Ramirez held Texas to one run and three hits, walking none and striking out six in five-plus innings.

Ramirez has a 1.14 ERA in six outings, allowing just one run and seven hits, while striking out 10 and walking none in 11 innings in his final two starts.

“Today every single thing was working,” Ramirez said. “I just have to continue to do what I’ve been doing on what’s going on in this spring training. I’m happy with what happened today and the last games.”

The Rangers scored four times in the sixth after Ramirez was replaced by Charlie Furbush. Kevin Kouzmanoff, who has not played in the majors since 2011, hit a three-run homer.

Justin Smoak hit a two-run homer for the Mariners.

Lewis gave up five hits, struck out three and walked one.

Lewis, the 2012 Rangers’ opening-day starter, is coming back from hip and elbow surgery. He has not pitched in the majors since July 27, 2012, and Texas plans to start him in the minors as he builds up strength.

“I’m healthy,” Lewis said. “Write what you want to write. I’m really not in a mood to be talking. That’s all I’ve got.”

Lewis was not happy he was left out of the Rangers’ starting rotation, which includes Tanner Scheppers and Robbie Ross — who have been used strictly in relief in the majors — and minor leaguer Nick Martinez, who was not in the big league camp.

Lewis is scheduled to start a minor league exhibition game Tuesday at Round Rock against Fresno, the Rangers’ Triple-A and Double-A affiliates.

“I guess,” Lewis said. “I go as directed, right now.”

Lewis lowered his ERA from 18 to 8. In his previous start against major league competition, he yielded five runs on five hits, including two home runs, and three walks in 1 1-3 innings against Oakland.

“He threw the ball well today, 72 pitches, five innings, moved the ball around,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He kept his fastball out of the middle of the plate and was able to spot it like he wanted to.”