Fernando Rodney Ruins Felix Hernandez’s Gem, Mariners Lose

Apr 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It was everything we hoped it would be. Until the end. Felix Hernandez versus Yu Darvish. The 2010 Cy Young winner versus an odds-on pick to win the 2014 award. Felix was up to the challenge, Darvish, at times.

Felix pitched into the 8th, striking out nine and walking one while scattering four hits. He did give up a run in the 8th, when the leadoff triple he allowed to Leonys Martin scored on a sacrifice fly off Charlie Furbush who relieved Felix.

But Fernando Rodney returned to Spring Training form, getting his first blown save of the season as the Rangers won 3-2.

Rodney got two quick outs and it appeared he was ready to shoot an arrow into the Texas night sky. But Kevin Kouzmanoff singled, Mitch Moreland walked and Donnie Murphy reached on a throwing error by Brad Miller. All of a sudden, the bases were loaded.

Pitching to Leonys Martin, Rodney threw a wild pitch which scored the tying run. Martin then singled to left scoring the winning run.

Darvish struck out eight, but struggled off and on throughout, not recording a 1-2-3 inning until the 6th. The Mariners were only able to take advantage though in the 2nd, when singles by Mike Zunino and Abraham Almonte scored Nick Franklin and Dustin Ackley.

Franklin, who joined the team this afternoon after getting the call from Tacoma, got the start at DH and went 1-for-4 with a triple, that run scored and two strikeouts.

It continues to be the bottom of the lineup that produces for Lloyd McClendon. Justin Smoak in the seven spot had a hit, Zunino had a 2-for-4 day. Almonte at the top of the order had two hits but the 2-3-4-5 hitters were a combined 1-for-15. Brad Miller left five men on base.

It’s a shame that Rodney picked today to blow his first save. Felix threw an absolute gem. He had everything working, yet again. The loss drops the Mariners to .500 for the first time since starting the season at 0-0. They will look to go back above .500 and earn a split in the series tomorrow afternoon.

Maybe this time, Rodney will straighten his hat and straighten his pitches.

BOX SCORE

Seattle Batting

BATTING
3B: Franklin (1, Darvish).
TB: Zunino 2; Smoak; Almonte, A 2; Franklin 3; Seager.
RBI: Zunino (9), Almonte, A (6).
2-out RBI: Zunino; Almonte, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Seager; Miller, B 4; Franklin.
Team RISP: 2-for-8.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Almonte, A (2, 2nd base off Darvish/Chirinos), Saunders, M (1, 2nd base off Darvish/Chirinos).

FIELDING
E: Miller, B (2, throw).

Texas Batting

a-Batted for Chirinos in the 8th. b-Hit a sacrifice fly for Adduci in the 8th. c-Reached on error for Wilson, Jo in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Rios, A (4, Hernandez, F).
3B: Martin, L (1, Hernandez, F).
TB: Andrus; Kouzmanoff; Choo; Rios, A 2; Martin, L 4.
RBI: Choice (3), Martin, L (5).
2-out RBI: Martin, L.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Fielder; Rios, A; Murphy.
SF: Choice.
Team RISP: 1-for-4.
Team LOB: 6.

FIELDING
E: Choo (1, throw).
PB: Chirinos (1).

Seattle Pitching

Texas Pitching

Hernandez, F pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

WP: Rodney.
Pitches-strikes: Hernandez, F 96-68, Furbush 12-7, Medina 5-3, Rodney 24-11, Darvish 107-66, Frasor 6-5, Figueroa, P 13-8.
Groundouts-flyouts: Hernandez, F 8-0, Furbush 0-1, Medina 0-0, Rodney 1-1, Darvish 5-5, Frasor 1-1, Figueroa, P 2-1.
Batters faced: Hernandez, F 26, Furbush 2, Medina 1, Rodney 6, Darvish 30, Frasor 3, Figueroa, P 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Furbush 1-1.
Umpires: HP: Ted Barrett. 1B: Will Little. 2B: Paul Schrieber. 3B: Mark Carlson.
Weather: 68 degrees, clear.
Wind: 12 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:47.
Att: 27,396.
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington.
April 16, 2014

Seattle Batting

Texas Batting

Seattle Pitching

Texas Pitching