SEATTLE (AP) – Jason Vargas used his ”accelerator” to control the strike zone and it meant his first road victory of the season. It came at a place where he felt like home.

Vargas allowed three hits over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals had 16 hits – all singles – in a 6-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

Vargas (3-1), who pitched for the Mariners for four seasons (2009-12), struck out six without a walk. He is 3-1 with a 1.59 ERA in four career starts against his former team. His 2.30 ERA at Safeco Field is tied for the seventh best for a starter in park history

Vargas signed a four-year, free-agent deal with the Royals in November.