No one told Kyle Davies he was the lesser pitcher in the game. Carrying a no-hitter into the sixth, he bested Felix Hernandez and shut down the Mariners’ offense. The returns of Jack Wilson and Milton Bradley did little to help the cause as Seattle fell 3-1 to Kansas City.
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It wasn’t until Franklin Gutierrez’s walk in the fourth that the Mariners even had a runner on, breaking up the perfect game. Ichiro’s infield hit in the sixth ended the no-hitter. Felix, on the other hand, did nothing to help his cause.
A throwing error in the first inning by Felix led directly to the first run of the game, and a smattering of hits—including a solo home run given up in the seventh to Billy Butler—were contrasted by seven strike outs.
This wasn’t the normally expected Royals, however. They’re currently the best-hitting team in the major leagues. Tomorrow, the Mariners face last year’s Cy Young winner Zack Greinke (0-2, 3.28 ERA) with their faltering offense. On the mound for Seattle is Ian Snell (0-2, 5.24 ERA), who will have to battle the surprisingly powerful Kansas City offense.
Reach M. Wend at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
