SEATTLE (AP) — Felix Hernandez took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, pitching the Seattle Mariners past the first-place Texas Rangers 2-1 on Friday night and boosting his bid for the AL Cy Young Award.
Nelson Cruz hit a leadoff homer to center field in the eighth against Hernandez (12-11), who gave up three hits in eight innings. He retired 21 straight after walking his first batter of the game.
It was the second time in his career that Hernandez lost a no-hit bid on the first batter of the eighth inning. He also threw seven hitless innings against the Boston Red Sox on April 11, 2007.
The right-hander walked one and struck out eight, reclaiming the major league lead in strikeouts from Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels.