The good news is that the Seattle Mariners finally got their first hit off of Neftali Feliz. Coming into Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers, the M's had fared awfully against the closer-turned-starter. In 48 at-bats against Feliz (all in relief appearances), the Mariners had never managed a hit.
For the first few innings of Tuesday night's game, it looked as though that trend would continue. Although Feliz walked Chone Figgins to lead off the game, the M's had stretched their streak into 0-for-59 against the right-hander until Justin Smoak hit a two-out single in the top of the fourth inning. Smoak would later add another single and Jesus Montero (perhaps immune, being a newcomer) would add two singles off Feliz of his own, but that was the extent of the Mariners offense on Tuesday. Feliz went seven innings, giving up those four singles and two walks, while striking out four. He combined with Mike Adams and Joe Nathan for the shutout.
The Seattle starter for the evening, Blake Beavan, was nearly as good. Beavan, a former first-round Rangers draft pick and Dallas native, went 6.1 innings, giving up six hits and a walk while striking out three. The lone run that Beavan surrendered in the game came in the bottom of the second inning. Adrian Beltre hit a leadoff double and although Beavan was able to force him at third, Michael young took second on the fielder's choice and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Beavan struck out Nelson Cruz swinging, but David Murphy singled to drive in Young. Seattle took the hard-luck 1-0 loss by not managing to score the rest of the way.
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