‘King Felix’ strikes out six consecutive hitters in Mariners win.
Having agreed on a new deal to make him the highest paid pitcher in baseball last month, Felix Hernandez looks to be in good form ahead of the new season.
In their penultimate pre-season game, the Seattle Mariners sealed a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex, with Hernandez playing a key role.
‘King Felix’ had six consecutive hitters struck out, finishing the game with two hits over six shut-out innings with nine strikeouts and no walks. He threw 70 pitches, with 50 going for strikes.
The 26-year-old made the headlines in February, after putting pen to paper on a deal worth $175m over seven years which made him the highest paid pitcher in MLB history.
Hernandez looks to be focused on repaying the franchise for its faith in him, and was delighted with the standing ovation he received on Friday.
“Pretty good, I love that. I love all the fans from Seattle that are here. That felt pretty good,” he is quoted by MLB.com.
Seattle’s pitcher has one more start before Opening Day, and it is clear that he is working his way to being on top of his game while he uses the Spring training games as a platform to prepare for the big stage.
The pressure will undoubtedly be on him to perform considering the financial implications, but based on the evidence of Friday night’s game, ‘King Felix’ is very much in the mood to lead the Seattle Mariners through the new season.
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