(Sports Network) - Felix Hernandez lifts the lid on his 2008 campaign this evening when the Seattle Mariners continue their three-game series with the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field.

Hernandez got off to a blazing start last season and ended the year 14-7 with a 3.92 earned run average in 30 starts. The young flame thrower also finished his first full year strong, as he won seven of his final eight decisions.

The 21-year-old right-hander was a perfect 2-0 versus the Rangers last season, while pitching to a 1.84 ERA. For his career, he is 4-4 against them with a 4.57 ERA in 10 starts.

Seattle got its season off on the right foot on Monday, as its bullpen allowed one run in four innings of relief, while Jose Lopez drove in two and scored in the Mariners' 5-2 victory.

Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre notched runs batted in for Seattle, and Sean Green (1-0) picked up the win after throwing 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Starter Erik Bedard, acquired in an off-season trade with the Baltimore Orioles, had control problems, but managed to surrender just one run on three hits and four walks in five innings on the hill. The ace also had five strikeouts. J.J. Putz anchored a terrific relief effort for the Mariners in picking up the save.

Kevin Millwood (0-1) took the loss despite throwing six solid innings. The Rangers' Opening Day starter the past three seasons allowed two runs -- none earned -- on four hits and three walks.

Michael Young, who committed the error that led to Seattle's first two runs, homered and had three hits. David Murphy drove in the other Texas run.

Vicente Padilla will try to avoid the Rangers second straight 0-2 start, as he tries to put an injury-plagued 2007 behind him. After signing a three-year, $34 million contract with the Rangers prior to the season, Padilla made just 23 starts a year ago and went 6-10 with a 5.76 ERA.

Padilla is 2-5 lifetime against the Mariners with a 6.26 ERA in nine games, seven of which have been starts.

Seattle, which also won its season opener last season, went 11-8 against the division-rival Rangers last season, one year after Texas took 11-of-19 games from the Mariners.

Texas has lost six straight at Safeco Field and nine of its last 10 as the visitor in this series.