Hernandez Wins Duel Versus Samardzija
Felix Hernandez has enjoyed the best first half of a season in his career this year. On Friday, the Seattle Mariners right-hander outpitched Jeff Samardzija from the Oakland A’s.
Hernandez’s next start could be on Tuesday night in the All-Star Gamer representing the American League. Hernandez says it would be an honor to start the game, but he does not know who will be chosen.
The veteran for Seattle pitched eight strong innings to help the Mariners defeated the team with the best record in baseball 3-2 on Friday.
Hernandez is now 11-2 on the season and it is the first time he has reached 11 wins prior to the break for the All-Star in his career.
This was the 11th consecutive start that Hernandez has pitched seven innings or more and given up two runs or less.
That is the longest AL streak since 1974 when Gaylord Perry pitched 11 straight. The only streaks longer were 13 straight in 1971 by Tom Seaver and 12 straight in 1986 by Mike Scott.
Fernando Rodney earned his 27th save on the night, although it was not easy. Rodney issued a walk to Derek Norris and Norris was on third with two out. The count to Nick Punto was 3-2 and a called third strike ended the game.
Punto in turn slammed his helmet on 
the ground and Bob Melvin his manager raced out of the dugout to argue with James Hoye the home plate umpire.
Hernandez had 9 strikeouts on the night and allowed 6 hits. He allowed two runs in the first inning but did not allow any over the next 7 innings.
A home run by Stephen Vogt was only the sixth Hernandez has allowed all season.
Prior to the two runs allowed by Hernandez in the first inning, he had given up just 3 runs during the first inning the entire season.
After the first inning, Hernandez allowed only four runners to reach base. In two innings, the fourth and sixth, he struck out the side, while in the seventh he only made five pitches to end the inning.
Samardzija was picked up by Oakland last week in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, which brought Jason Hammel for two top prospects.
The powerful right-hander is 1-1 in his two starts for the A’s since the trade, after going just 2-7 with the Cubs.
Samardzija pitched eight innings giving up 5 hits while striking out 5.
Oakland has won 7 of its past 10 and holds a 2 ½ game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West.
Seattle is in third place in the division just 8 games behind the A’s. The teams will play Saturday and Sunday, before the All-Star Game break and resume their season on Friday July 18.
In 2009, as well as 2013 Hernandez was a 10-game winner prior to the All-Star game.
Alberto Callaspo the first baseman for Oakland strained a hamstring in the second inning.
Coco Crisp an outfielder for Oakland did not play Friday and his status is unknown for Saturday due to a sore neck.
