King Felix shuts down the Yanks for a 6–0 Mariners win
Felix Hernandez nicknamed “King Felix” carries an Earning Run Average (ERA) of 2.51 and there’s a reason for that. This season has seen him go above the ranking table for top pitchers to the third spot. Over the course of the tenure, the player has maintained an economical rate of just under 3 runs per match. His resurgence to the top tier of performers came in the month of June, on the 13th, when he maintained 3 or less runs per fixture, leading up to August 15th, as he conceded 6 runs to the Texas Rangers that day. The Seattle Mariners ace man has been on a path to consistency, delivering in every game. And it comes as no surprise that the New York Yankees faced an embarrassing defeat, yesterday.
The New York Yankees were high on morale as their recent three win thump of the Detroit Tigers in the series got them to a 3 game winning streak. The positive outlook was further boosted with the return of Alex Rodriguez to the third baseman position. The powerful hitter was hardly missed during the past three matches. His calf injury had kept him sidelined but now his return was going to relieve the stress on the Yank batters.
Manager Joe Garirdo introduced Allan James Burnett back on the pitching mound. The right hand ball thrower belts an 11 years worth of experience and has a decent ERA of 4.80. However, the 33 year old did not fare well as the player lost his 5th consecutive fixture, raising his losses to 11 for the season. The player came out with 122 pitches in his 6 innings of play. He allowed 3 walks, 12 hits and 6 runs, while managing to strike out just 4 players.
The Seattle side has been faring well in the American League in recent days, winning the last 4 series. However, their position in the League puts them on the last spot of the Western Division. Their ranking in the overall league lands them on the 13th position. Interim Manager, Daren Brown has done much to bring the team up again in the days and one of his strategies has been to maintain the players form. The decision maker brought in Felix Hernandez to put the opening fixture to the test with Mariners’ full strength.
Felix delivered the victory as he pitched for 8 innings with 117 pitches in all to his credit. The player managed to strike out 11 players in his time, allowing no runs, 4 hits and 3 walks. He wanted to go to throw in the 9th but the management intervened, stressing on the fitness of the youngster.
The Yankees remained silent throughout the match. Much to their displeasure, Burnett could not do much to contain the strong Mariners hitting faction. The Seattle club was boosting with vigour and desire. Russell Branyan was hungry and he expressed it in the best possible manner as he smashed a 3–run 410 feet homer to the right, in the top 1st. Ichiro Suzuki and Chone Figgins were the runners to lead the charge to the dugout as Branyan followed them down the diamond for a team huddle.
The next run for the Mariners came in the top 3rd when Franklin Gutierrez scored off a Casey Kotchman single to the right centre. The run carried the team to a 4 run lead over the Yankees in the bottom 3rd and no response ever came. Seattle piled up on another run as Matt Tuiasosopo scored off Suzuki’s grounder into the fielder’s choice to shortstop. The innings ended with 5–0 to the Rainiers.
The last run would come off Russell Branyan’s bat as the powerful hitter brought things to a close in the top 6th. He banged a 419 feet homer to the centre and brought up the team’s 6th and final run of the game.
With the Yankees finding no space around King Felix and reliever, Garrett Olson, the match went to the Mariners. This marked their first win for the series. One can only imagine how things will shape up in for their next encounter as both ball clubs face off on Sunday. Yankees will be without Rodriguez who picked up a strain in the game. Manager Garirdo has not put the player on the disabled list and has secured him to the day to day recovery program.
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