MLB wrap: Mariners fans honor 'King Felix' Hernandez in emotional final start with team

Arthur Weinstein

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MLB wrap: Mariners fans honor 'King Felix' Hernandez in emotional final start with team image

The reign is over.

Felix Hernandez, one of the most beloved players in Mariners history, made his final start for the team Thursday night.

Mariners fans at T-Mobile Park literally cheered every strike from the 33-year-old veteran, honoring the player nicknamed "King Felix."

Hernandez exited the game to a standing ovation with one out in the sixth inning, after 106 pitches. He gave up three earned runs on five hits, striking out three and walking four.

The performance was a microcosm of Hernandez's final couple of seasons with Seattle. The six-time All-Star and 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner has battled injuries and ineffectiveness, winning only one of his past 25 starts dating to July 1, 2018. His 6.40 ERA this season is so un-King like for a pitcher who twice led the league in ERA and holds the Mariners all-time record for victories with 169.

But Thursday was a final chance to remember the King Felix who left Mariners fans with so many great memories through the years. Fans showed their love for the popular pitcher throughout the night. They cheered wildly as he walked from the bullpen and took the mound before the game.

And when Hernandez struck out Sean Murphy for his first strikeout in the second inning, the crowd erupted, and he immediately pointed at fans along the left-field line in the "King's Court," who held up "K" signs.

As he exited the game, fans chanted "Felix! Felix!" as he walked to the dugout, acknowledging the crowd.

Hernandez's future is unclear as he enters free agency this offseason. But for one night, Seattle fans treated him like a King one final time.

Studs of the Night

Twins third baseman Willians Astudillo homered and had four hits, scored four runs and drove in two in a 10-4 win over the Tigers.

Danny Santana homered and had four RBIs in the Rangers' win over the Red Sox.

Duds of the Night

The Cleveland Indians' playoff hopes are on life support, but the team's bats fell silent against the White Sox. Five Chicago hurlers in a bullpen-by-committee performance shut out the Indians on four hits, striking out 10 in an 8-0 victory.

Highlights

Adam Haseley steals a home run from Yan Gomes and makes it look easy.

Reds players salute longtime announcer Marty Brennaman, who called the final game of his 46-year broadcast career Thursday against the Brewers.

What's Next?

Indians (93-66) at Nationals (90-69) 7:05 p.m. ET ⁠— The Indians, who are fighting for a wild-card spot, send right-hander Zach Plesac (8-6, 3.82) to the mound against the Nats, who have already punched their postseason ticket.

Arthur Weinstein