ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon need just one word to describe another great start by Felix Hernandez.
Phenomenal.
Hernandez pitched a four-hitter to become the major’s first eight-game winner, Nelson Cruz hit his AL-best 18th homer to snap a scoreless tie in the ninth inning and the Seattle Mariners completed a three-game sweep by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday.
“What a performance,” McClendon said. “I don’t know what to say.”
Hernandez (8-1) got four double plays in his second shutout this season. He struck out eight and walked one in his first win at Tropicana Field after going 0-2 in four previous starts.
Brad Boxberger (2-3) relieved Chris Archer after he pitched two-hit ball for eighth innings, and Boxberger walked Seth Smith and Robinson Cano with two outs.