Hernandez, M’s shut out Indians

Associated Press

SEATTLE

Felix Hernandez had another dominant pitching effort and got just enough support to get a victory.

Hernandez scattered four hits in eight innings and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Indians 3-0 on Sunday.

He gave up four singles in his 111-pitch effort, walking one and striking out nine. At least for this start, Hernandez (11-10) had a fair measure of run support. In his 10 losses, the Mariners have scored a combined 10 runs for Hernandez while he was on the mound. That’s one reason why he’s on the fringe of the Cy Young Award discussion despite impressive numbers.

Hernandez is first in the majors in strikeouts (209), first in league in innings (219), second in the league in ERA (2.30), but tied for 41st in wins. He has the second worst run support in the league.

“I’ve been on teams where’s it’s been like that for a guy for maybe 10, 12 starts but not a complete season,” Russell Branyan said. “It’s unfortunate for him for his wins and losses, but you can’t take away the other numbers, his ERA, his strikeout, innings pitched. He has been incredible this year.”

Even when Hernandez isn’t on the mound, the last-place Mariners are struggling to score runs. They have scored the fewest runs by far in baseball and have put up three runs or fewer over the past 10 games.

Saturday

Mitch Talbot pitched into the seventh inning to help Cleveland get a 4-2 victory.

Talbot (9-11) allowed an unearned run and five hits in 62/3 innings to pick up his first win since June 27. The right-hander was 0-5 with a 6.23 ERA in his previous nine starts.

Chris Perez got four outs for his 18th save of the season.

Michael Brantley and Shin Soo-Choo each had two hits and drove in a run for the Indians. Travis Hafner and Asdrubal Cabrera had RBI singles.

Branyan homered for Seattle. David Pauley (2-7) gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings.