Last night in Seattle, the Red Sox were abused by Felix Hernandez. Of course, they weren't the first and won't be the last team to be taken to the shed by King Felix, but that doesn't make it any easier.
However, the good news about Hernandez dominating the Sox last night, is that he can't pitch tonight. Or tomorrow. Or Sunday. That even though there are three games left in the series, Felix can't hurt them anymore. Nothing that the Sox will face this weekend can hold a candle to what they saw on Thursday.
For instance, tonight's starting pitcher: Hector Noesi
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Noesi is currently 2-9 on the season. He's lost three straight decisions, and hasn't picked up a win since May 6 (nine starts).
On paper, going from Hernandez to Noesi is like going from the New York Times crossword puzzle to Highlights HiddenPictures. But before we write old Hector off too quickly, a closer look at the numbers shows a guy who's been about as unlucky as he's been unproductive.
In his last start, Noesi pitched six innings in a 2-0 loss. Two starts ago, he pitched seven innings in a 1-0 loss. At the end of May, he went eight strong innings in consecutive starts, but picked up the loss on both nights. Sure, he's had some ugly nights, but also a handful of really bad draws.
But whatever, regardless of whether they see Good Hector or Bad Hector, it can't compare to what King Felix pulled last night.
In fact, nothing can.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine