Seattle Mariners ace and former AL Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez has thrown more innings against the Texas Rangers than any other big-league team. And more than just about any other big-league team, the Rangers have had some good fortune against the one they call "King Felix."
Over his career, Hernandez hasn't fared well against the Rangers, as he's posted a 3.77 ERA with a 12-17 record over 227 career innings against the Rangers.
By contrast, in 2012, Hernandez was the Rangers' kryptonite. In two starts he worked 17 innings and gave up one run with 19 strikeouts and two walks while going 2-0.
The Rangers got back to their old ways on Thursday night and hit Hernandez well, spoiling King Felix's home debut after inking a big contract extension this winter that should keep him in Seattle for the remainder of his career. And the Rangers beat Hernandez by doing a little bit of everything — hitting home runs, getting key RBI singles, roping doubles down the line and even the least likely ways, as Lance Berkman beat out what would've been an inning-ending double play that allowed the Rangers to take the lead later in the fifth inning.
Hernandez finished with 6 2/3 innings, five strikeouts and two walks while allowing four runs (three earned).
Hernandez will surely have a couple of more chances to try to duplicate what he did last season against the Rangers, and the Rangers will surely be ready.
