SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Felix Hernandez’s first spring start began with a 400-foot flyout and a walk before the Seattle ace settled down to throw two hitless innings Tuesday in the Mariners’ 9-3 loss to a Colorado Rockies split squad.
Back after posting an AL-best 2.14 ERA last season, the right-hander’s first pitch was hit by Corey Dickerson to the wall in center. After a walk, Carlos Gonzalez grounded into a double play.
Hernandez pitched a perfect second. Half of the five-time All-Star’s 18 pitches were strikes.
Wilin Rosario hit two home runs for Colorado, the first a two-run shot off Mariners rotation candidate Roenis Elias.
Gonzalez added a bloop single off Elias for his first hit in his second game back from knee surgery.
Offseason acquisition Kyle Kendrick, who is from Mount Vernon, struck out three in two scoreless innings for Colorado.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.