ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kyle Hendrix’s 100th career victory marked a significant milestone.
The 35-year-old right-hander contributed to the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on a Friday night, celebrating this achievement with his mentor.
Clyde Wright, a former Angels left-hander who pitched no-hitters for the franchise in 1970, began coaching Hendrix at his Anaheim pitching school when Hendrix was just 12 years old.
“He came down to the clubhouse and embraced me. I remarked that it took me 23 years since my first lesson to achieve this milestone,” said Hendrix, whose career record now stands at 100-87. “I spent a few formative years with him, learning to throw curveballs and maintain my health.”
“I continued pitching under his guidance and developed a love for the game.”
Hendrix (3-6) had a less-than-dominant outing on Friday, yielding four runs and eight hits while walking two over six innings. His fastball topped out at 86.6 mph, which wasn’t particularly impressive.
Nevertheless, he managed to evade trouble in the second and third innings by striking out Randy Arozarena. He also received assistance from right fielder Jorge Soller, who made a spectacular catch over the short wall, robbing Terez of a potential grand slam before crashing into the fence.
“I was really surprised because I thought it was a home run off the bat,” Hendrix commented. “Thank goodness (Soler) made an incredible play today.”
Tellez’s long fly ball led to the first run of the inning, and Leody Taveras’s RBI groundout put Seattle ahead 3-1. However, Travis D’Arnaud’s hit tied the game in the bottom of the fourth against Mariners starter Bryce Miller (2-5).
Seattle took a 4-3 lead following Julio Rodriguez’s RBI triple in the fifth, but the Angels responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning, taking a 5-4 lead.
Chris Taylor’s double into left center tied the game at 4-4 after he fouled off two sacrifice bunt attempts, followed by Nolan Chanuel’s RBI single to secure the 5-4 advantage.
Ryan Zephyrhan closed out the seventh inning, Reed Detmers struck out two out of four batters in the eighth, and Kenley Jansen delivered a perfect ninth inning for his 13th save.
Jansen presented Hendrix with the game ball marking the pitcher’s 100th win.
“When you look back after your career, moments like this hold great significance,” Hendrix reflected, noting he secured 97 wins during 11 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. “However, at this moment, it’s crucial to recognize this team victory against a top division opponent.”
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Source: apnews.com