Mariners Game Recap: King Felix ties Jamie Moyer for Most W’s in M’s History

Apr 29, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) walks to the dugout after being relieved during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) walks to the dugout after being relieved during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

62. Final. 0. 7. 1

It was a special night for Felix Hernandez and the Mariners, as the King tied Jamie Moyer for the most wins in franchise history.

The Seattle Mariners (12-10) edged the Kansas City Royals (12-10), 1-0 on Friday night at Safeco Field. Tonight’s game was the definition of a pitcher’s duel, and was nerve-racking until the final out. Felix Hernandez (2-2, 1.38 ERA) earned the win for the Mariners after hurling 7.2 shutout innings. Kris Medlen (1-2, 4.87 ERA) pitched well for the Royals, but was saddled with the loss. Steve Cishek got the job done in the 9th to secure his 6th save of the season.

Hernandez turned in his best performance of 2016 against the defending champs tonight at Safeco Field. King Felix did a better job locating his off speed pitches, thus he was much more effective than previous outings. Hernandez worked 7.2 scoreless frames for the Mariners, allowing 5 hits while striking out 4 and walking 3. After tonight’s W, the 30-year-old right-hander is now tied with Jamie Moyer for the most wins in franchise history.

The Mariners were no-hit through the first five innings by Kris Medlen tonight, but their first hit was a big one. Seth Smith led off the sixth inning by crushing a changeup deep to right field for a solo shot. The homer was Smitty’s third of the season, and served as the only run of the game for either squad.

Nick Vincent entered the game for Seattle in the eighth inning with two out and a runner on first base. The veteran right-hander went right after Lorenzo Cain, and induced a weak ground out to Robinson Cano to end the inning. Vincent has been a very pleasant surprise for the M’s so far this season after being acquired from the San Diego Padres just prior to opening day.

More from SoDo Mojo

Scott Servais handed the ball off Steve Cishek in the top of the 9th inning. The M’s closer allowed a leadoff single to Eric Hosmer, but sat down Kendrys Morales and Alex Gordon on strikes for the first two outs. Salvador Perez gave a 90 mph sinker a ride to deep center field, but Leonys Martin made a sensational running grab at the wall to save the game for the Mariners.

Outside of Smith’s round tripper, it was a very quite night offensively for the Mariners. The club managed to work 7 free passes, but rarely advanced a runner past first base. Nori Aoki would sadly qualify as a standout, as the Japanese import reached base twice via the walk. Smitty also managed to get on base twice with a get out jail free card. Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Leonys Martin had the other walks for Seattle.

Next: Top 5 First Round Picks in M’s History

Looking ahead, the Seattle Mariners (12-10) will host the Kansas City Royals (12-10) again on Saturday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. On the bump for the Mariners will be Wade Miley (1-2, 7.04 ERA), and Yordano Ventura (2-0, 2.35 ERA) will get the ball for the visitors. Tomorrow’s game will be televised locally on Root Sports Northwest, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.