King Felix Looks Good As Braves Beat Orioles In First ST Game
By Deke Lloyd
The Atlanta Braves kicked-off Grapefruit League play with the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon. In his first-ever appearance in a Braves jersey, Felix Hernandez looked good.
The Atlanta Braves started spring training play this afternoon with the Baltimore Orioles coming into Northport to help open the new ballpark. King Felix Hernandez, the recent signing from Seattle, was slated to handle the first start of spring training. With Hernandez competing for the final rotation spot, he was looking to start the spring on a high note.
In his first start in a Braves uniform, King Felix impressed. In his two innings of work, Hernandez tossed 30 pitches with 17 of those being strikes. Hernandez struck out two and walked one in his two innings. He only needed to face 7 batters, giving up the one walk. In the first inning, Hernandez pitched a perfect inning, striking out one and forcing two groundouts. It was an impressive first outing for Hernandez.
After the game, King Felix stated he felt better and was in the best shape of his life since the 2015 season. Reportedly, Hernandez has slimmed down since joining the Braves as he’s vying for the final rotation spot. His confidence seems to be intact, saying ” I’m healthy. If I keep doing what I did today, I’ll be in that(the starting rotation).” You have to love to see that kind of confidence coming from the former AL Cy Young.
The Braves used the strong performance from Hernandez to race past the Orioles today in Northport. Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna both had one hit out of two at-bats apiece. Adam Duvall, Ender Inciarte, Dansby Swanson, and Peter O’Brien all added RBIs.
The Braves are back in action tomorrow as the team will get ready to play the Detriot Tigers. Bryse Wilson, another guy competing for the final rotation spot, is slated to start against the Tigers. The Braves and Tigers will get underway at 1:05.