Mariners Analysis: Felix Hernandez’s Top 5 Performances

#1 – El Perfecto – August 15, 2012

Hernandez seems to love the hot summer months in Seattle. Maybe it reminds him of his childhood days in Venezuela or maybe the heat simply helps his mechanics. Whatever the answer may be, he would have another start, coincidentally on August 15th, that would set another Mariner record, and be remembered as the greatest show in team history.

The Tampa Bay Rays came to town on this day in 2012 with no intention to be embarrassed, but Felix would make sure that every batter would be sent back to the dugout wishing they hadn’t shown up. There were no blemishes in Hernandez’s game on this day as he faced the minimum 27 batters, fanning 12 of them on route to the Mariners’ first ever perfect game. Felix finished the rays off in style, striking out 5 of the last 6 batters, including the final out. This performance was by far the the most complete and flawless of his career, and with that he brought his win total up to 96 and his strikeout total to 1,404.

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Over the next 4 years Hernandez would wheel and deal, throwing batters out at a remarkable pace. Wins never came as easy for him but his tally slowly grew as the years went on all leading up to Friday’s monumental victory. Felix has set all of the most important Mariner records at the age of 30 with many years left in his tank. When it is all over for the King, the M’s record books will be littered with his name. If his career thus far is any indication, Hernandez will make sure that his name stays atop these lists for eternity as he continues to rack up unbelievable numbers.