Felix Hernandez pitches a perfect game
Aug 15, 2012, 1:54 PM | Updated: 3:18 pm
By 710Sports.com staff
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Felix Hernandez has pitched a perfect game at Safeco Field, overpowering the Tampa Bay Rays in a brilliant 1-0 victory Wednesday.
It’s only the 23rd time in Major League Baseball history and the first time for a Mariner.
“I don’t have any words to explain this,” Hernandez said to the crowd, speaking on the field after the final out. “I’ve been working so hard to throw one and today is for you guys.”
Desmond Jennings pinch hit for Jose Lobaton to open the ninth. Hernandez got ahead 1-2 before Jennings fouled off two straight and Hernandez fanned him on a 92 mph fastball down in the zone. Jeff Keppinger batted for Elliot Johnson and grounded out to shortstop on a 1-2 pitch.
With one out to go, Sean Rodriguez got ahead of Hernandez 2-0. Hernandez came back with two straight breaking balls for strikes and ended perfection with a called third strike.
Hernandez threw his arms up to the sky and was mobbed by his teammates at the pitcher’s mound. He embraced catcher John Jaso for a few seconds and then shared hugs with the rest of his teammates.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
