Mariners Analysis: Recapping the M’s Opening Series of the Year
King Felix walks 5 in Opening Day loss
2015 was a trying year for the Mariners and their fans. Surprisingly, Felix Hernandez was not immune to his fellow teammates’ issues. Hernandez posted an impressive record of 18-9, but his 3.53 ERA was his worst mark since the 2007 season. He averaged 1 strikeout less per 9 innings, and issued 1 free pass more per 9 innings last season compared to 2014.
As per usual, Seattle handed the ball to the King on Opening Day. Hernandez is usually lights out in lid lifters, but he walked 5 and allowed 3 runs (only 1 earned) en route to picking up the loss on Monday afternoon against the Rangers. He only surrendered 1 base hit, but a disastrous 5th inning in which he walked in a run was too much for Seattle to overcome.
King Felix remains one of the game’s top hurlers, but the Mariners need him to recapture the form that saw him post an AL best 2.14 ERA in 2014. Overall, I feel like Hernandez pitched reasonably well on Monday. The walks were alarming, but this was more of a case of the guys playing behind Felix letting him down.
Next: New look bullpen excels