Hernandez, who won't turn 30 until four days after he faces the Rangers in Monday's opener at 1:05 p.m. PT in Arlington, would be lining up for his 10th straight now had the Mariners not opted to open with Erik Bedard in 2008. As it stands, Hernandez has pitched in eight of the last nine season openers for Seattle, and the Mariners have won every one of those games.
Hernandez is a remarkable 6-0 with a 1.49 ERA in his eight Opening Day outings. But here's the rub: Despite all his initial success, the Mariners have never made the playoffs in Hernandez's 11 seasons with the club.