Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen, left, leaves the game as he is congratulated by catcher Brayan Pena and pitching coach Bob McClure. Chen picked up his first major-league win since 2005 in the Royals’ 8-2 victory Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City, Mo. ? Bruce Chen does not want to be reminded again how long he went between victories.

Chen won in the major leagues for the first time since 2005, and Billy Butler hit a two-run homer in a five-run first inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners, 8-2, on Thursday.

Chen, who had lost his past 13 decisions, earned his first victory since Oct. 2, 2005, while with the Baltimore Orioles. Chen (1-6) held the Mariners to two runs, despite giving up a season-high 10 hits and a walk in 6 2?3 innings.

“It feels forever, very long,” Chen said of the gap. “Every time I was out there, people kept reminding me, last win in October 2005. Now they have to say it was Aug. 6, 2009. Let’s start a new streak now.

“I feel like a gorilla with a bunch of kids, maybe a family of five, is off my back. To get this win out of the way is just a tremendous relief for me.”

After winning 13 games in 2005, Chen went winless in 2006 with the Orioles. He made five relief appearances with Texas in 2007 before needing elbow surgery and sitting out 2008.

“I remember 2006, I went out there and was 0-7 and it was like, ‘When am I going to get a win?”‘ Chen said. “I had the surgery and didn’t pitch for a couple of years. There were times I could have just quit, but I love the game. I really thought I could make it back and be successful. I came here, and I couldn’t get a win. I was getting better. It was just hang in there, and finally today I get my first win. I’m very, very happy.”