We begin with Felix Hernandez because this was supposed to be his night: His long awaited return, the King’s Court, even fireworks.
So it was going to take a lot, a whole lot, for anything or anyone to overshadow Hernandez.
It was going to take something like what actually happened on Friday, with the Mariners’ offense pulverizing Houston’s pitching in a 13-3 win, their sixth straight. The Mariners are 38-36 and thick in the hunt for the American League Wild Card.
The return of the King is certainly important and necessary for the Mariners. But just as promising, just as important, is the continued barrage from the Mariners’ offense.