Hernandez has made six straight opening day starts in a row and he mowed down the first 10 batters in the game before giving up a hit to Jaso. Hernandez had the watch engraved with the words "perfect game" and the date of the Rays game from August at Safeco Field. It was the second perfect game at the stadium last season, following Philip Humber's from earlier in the year.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez made the opening day start against the Oakland Athletics on Monday night and he also was able to take care of some unfinished business, giving catcher John Jaso a Rolex watch for his role in Hernandez's perfect game last season.
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According to the Associated Press, Hernandez wanted to give Jaso a gift after catching his perfect game last season while they were teammates. Jaso is now with the Athletics and an employee for the team delivered the catcher the gift before the game, which was the opening matchup for both teams. Hernandez made his first start since signing his seven-year, $175 million contract and there is hope this season in Seattle.
"It is pretty heavy. It's got to be real," Jaso said. "The watch I own, I think it's a Timex, so this is a bit of an upgrade. I think there's a bit of tradition with the Rolex. I knew he was going to come through."
The Athletics are coming off of a surprising American West division title after catching the Rangers on the final day of the year and they are preparing to build on that success. The Mariners have a number of young players and Hernandez is the clear cut team leader in the clubhouse. Hernandez pitched an excellent game on Monday night, pitching 7.2 innings while allowing three hits with eight strikeouts.
The Mariners won their first game of the season and took opening day for the second year in a row behind a phenomenal pitching performance for Hernandez, as the team won 2-0 over Brett Anderson for the Athletics.
