HOUSTON, Texas (AFP) - Top-seeded American James Blake cruised into the semi-finals of the US Men's Clay Court Championships on Friday, as compatriot Mardy Fish again came up short.

Fish, seeded third and in search of his first title in two years, was ousted in the quarter-finals by eighth-seeded Spaniard Oscar Hernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/5).

Fish hasn't won on the ATP Tour since capturing his second career championship at this tournament in 2006.

The 26-year-old had been slowed by nagging wrist injuries during the past few years, but his recent play seemed to indicate that his title drought may be nearing an end.

Fish opened eyes last month when he reached the final at Indian Wells with victories over world No.1 Roger Federer, fourth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko and No.7 David Nalbandian.

Fish fired seven aces but connected on just 42 precent (36-of-86) of his first serves and double faulted four times.

Hernandez capitalized on the mistakes, converting four of his 10 break opportunities.

Hernandez, who is seeking his first career ATP title, will next face Blake, a 6-4, 6-3 winner over fifth-seeded Augustin Calleri of Argentina.

Blake, 28, fired seven aces past Hernandez and converted both of his break chances.

The only seed remaining in the bottom half of the draw, No. 7 Marcel Granollers-Pujol of Spain, survived Friday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Brazilian Marcos Daniel.

He will face unseeded American Wayne Odesnik, who followed his upset win of sixth seed Dudi Sela on Thursday with a 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 victory over Argentina's Sergio Roitman.