Felix makes spring debut as Mariners fall to Rockies

TUCSON, Ariz. — The pact went something like this: No nasty pitches to each other.

Before the game, Mariners ace Felix Hernandez promised his counterpart, Rockies top hurler Ubaldo Jimenez, he wouldn’t throw anything too unhittable when Jimenez was at the plate. Jimenez readily agreed.

Yet they struck each other out in Colorado’s 5-4 win over the Mariners on Sunday.

With these two, every pitch is filthy.

Hernandez, making his spring debut, was equal parts shaky and sharp as he allowed four hits over 2 2-3 innings.

Not to be outdone, Jimenez turned in a stellar showing, allowing one hit in four innings.

“Two of the best pitchers in baseball,” Mariners coach Don Wakamatsu said. “Tremendous arms. I have a lot of respect for them.”

After this game, the two aces have respect for each other.

Hernandez threw a two-seam fastball to Jimenez that had Jimenez shaking his head in amazement.

Later, Jimenez returned the favor, tossing a sinker that tied up Hernandez.

“He threw hard,” Hernandez said of his rival on the mound. “The guy is good.”

This spring, the Mariners have been slowly bringing along Hernandez, who won 19 games last year and finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting.

Before Sunday, Hernandez had thrown just two simulated games. He was on a 50-pitch count against Colorado, but went three over as Wakamatsu allowed him to throw into the third.

Hernandez was able to work his way out of trouble in the second after giving up two straight singles to Melvin Mora and Chris Iannetta. He struck out Clint Barmes and Jimenez, before walking Dexter Fowler. He then made one of his better pitches of the day, getting Seth Smith to ground out to end the threat.

He dodged a close call in the third when he was nearly hit by Troy Tulowitzki’s wobbling liner up the middle. Hernandez was able to fall to the ground and avoid the ball.

“Right at me. Kind of crazy,” said Hernandez, who signed a five-year, $78 million contract in January.

After the game, Hernandez described his outing as simply, “OK.”

His coach was more forthcoming.

“Good first outing,” Wakamatsu said. “I saw some real good qualities pitches.”

Jimenez had his best command of the spring, allowing only a single to Matt Tuiasosopo.

“I felt good. I was locating my fastball and getting ahead of hitters,” said Jimenez, who will start the Rockies’ opener April 5 in Milwaukee.

In facing Hernandez, Todd Helton may have picked the wrong day to make his Cactus League debut. Helton walked and grounded out against the hard-throwing righty.

Any qualms about starting against a hurler the caliber of Hernandez?

“Nah, start from the top and work my way down,” said the 36-year-old Helton, who recently signed a two-year extension that likely assures he remains in a Rockies uniform the rest of his career. “I hope it helps me later in the season.”

Adam Moore had a nice souvenir from the game — a couple of stitches in his chin. That came courtesy of a clumsy slide into third late in the game. He said he stumbled in the dirt, leading to the face plant.

“Beautiful,” he said.

Moore also got to catch Hernandez for the first time outside of a bullpen session.

“The look in his eyes, you could tell he was hungry and ready to get after it,” Moore said. “It felt like opening day with him out there. It was a lot of fun catching him.”

NOTES: Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells was in charge Sunday after manager Jim Tracy accompanied the split squad to Hermosillo, Mexico, to face Arizona. The Rockies lost that game, 8-7. … The plan is for Rob Johnson to catch Cliff Lee on Monday against Arizona. Johnson had offseason hip and wrist surgery. … Ryan Harvey hit a three-run homer in the seventh for Colorado.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Gonzaga sets school record with 33 assists in blowout

The first half started with Khalif Battle hitting consecutive 3-pointers… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.