After Felix Hernandez' terrible eight-inning reign, the A's won't be contesting Jarrod Washburn's accession to the mound. What a performance--the best in Mariner opening day history, and one of the best in opening day history period.

ESPN says Hernandez is the first pitcher to record 12+Ks and not give up a run on Opening Day since Bob Gibson did it in 1967.

Later that year, Gibson won games one, four, and seven of the World Series. Just sayin'.

When Hernandez is getting his 85 mph curveball over to compliment his 96 mph fastball, he's nearly impossible to hit. Ask Jason Kendall, who struck out three times--including a key AB in the 6th with one out and the go-ahead run on third. Ask Nick Swisher, who swung through a 97 mph fastball, which was Hernandez' 91st pitch. What the hell--ask the whole A's lineup, which went 3-27. Every A hitter struck out at least once except Mark Ellis.

[box score]
Opening Daze for A's [San Francisco Chronicle]
Mariners' Hernandez Lives Up to Hype [Associated Press]
Steve Kelley: Hernandez's performance Randy Johnson-worthy [Seattle Times]

UPDATE: More bad news for the A's. Starter Esteban Loaiza's MRI looked icky, he's going back to the Bay Area for more tests. He'll miss two starts at least. A's haven't named a replacement in the rotation.