Right on cue, Felix Hernandez upstaged rotation mate Cliff Lee with a complete game, 2 hit shutout in which he struck out 11.  It was his third consecutive 9 inning performance, first shutout of the year, and the fourth time he’s stuck out 11 or more in his career.

Felix el Rey was unstoppable tonight.  One of those hits should have been an out as Chone Figgins lost a popup in the twilight and all three walks featured questionable calls from home plate umpire Angel Hernandez.  The first two– to Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez in the 1st inning– should have been called strikeouts.

Felix’s stuff was phenomenal tonight.  It’s always pretty good, but it’s been a while since Felix has thrown a game where his pitches quickly grabbed my attention and pulled me into the game.  Felix was not to be missed tonight.  His sinker had ludicrous action, his power change was uncatchable and his curveball caught hitters off guard.  He was on his game.  All hail the King.

Michael Saunders hit two home runs tonight.  It hasn’t always been pretty for him this season, but he looks to be becoming more and more comfortable with his overhauled swing and has started creating tremendous leverage with it, something he didn’t do with his old swing.  Saunders the prospect’s power came from line drives sneaking over the wall.  Saunders the big leaguer can get under pitches and launch them.

Saunders has to have been one of the quietest top prospects Seattle has had in a while.  While New York fans hyped Austin Jackson and Fernando Martinez onto the All Star team for the next 15 years, I don’t feel like Saunders has generated nearly as much excitement among Mariner fans.  I’ve always thought they were all in a similar class– indeed, Keith Law rated Saunders as the 74th best prospect heading into the season despite his awful debut, one behind Martinez and just four behind Jackson– but when it came to trade speculation (and such) a lot of fans seemed to crave those two while writing off Saunders.

He’s not perfect and has a way to go, but the Mariners are in a situation to play him and hopefully he can iron out some kinks for next season.  I wouldn’t hesitate to upgrade the position going forward, but I think he has it in him to be a starting corner outfielder on a playoff team.

Nights like tonight are very fun to see.  Watching young players develop can be very special.  Saunders also made an exciting catch in left field before taking over for an ill Gutierrez.  The Condor!