Nelson Cruz, Felix Hernandez lift Mariners to series sweep of Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The sound of ball meeting bat seemed louder than any daily thunder that hits Florida during the summer. It was followed by a loud gasp from the meager crowd of 10,865 at Tropicana Field.

There was little doubt that the ball Nelson Cruz had just demolished was going to end up over the fence. It was a matter of how far over. The ball finally came down with a splash into a tank of stingrays in the far reaches of right-center field. Yes, a tank of stingrays – called the “Touch Tank” because fans can pet them.

The Mariners slugger had delivered again with a three-run homer off of Rays closer Brad Boxberger in the top of the ninth inning that led to a 3-0 victory and series sweep.

Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, who had been efficient and effective for the first eight innings, pitched a drama-free, 1-2-3 ninth inning to notch his second shutout of the season.

Hernandez is off to the best start of his career, improving to 8-1 with a 1.91 ERA. He allowed four hits, striking out eight and walking one, and he outdueled Rays starter Chris Archer, who allowed two hits and struck out 12 in eight shutout innings.

The Mariners (23-23) finished 6-3 on the road trip and moved to .500 for the first time since April 12 when they were 3-3. They are 12-6 in their past 18 games. Seattle opens an 11-game home- stand today, starting with a four-game series against the Indians.

The entrance of Boxberger in the ninth was a welcome relief for Cruz and the rest of the Mariners.

“Needless to say, I was happy to see (Archer) leave the game,” M’s manager Lloyd McClendon said.

But after Mike Zunino and Austin Jackson struck out to start the inning, the odds of Cruz coming to the plate seemed slim. But Seth Smith worked a walk, and Robinson Cano did the same to give Cruz a chance.