Seattle Mariners Rookie Bryan Woo Next to Legend Felix Hernandez in Team History After Friday Start

Seattle Mariners rookie right-hander Bryan Woo struck out nine Chicago White Sox on Friday night in a 3-2 M's win. By doing so, he positioned himself with Felix Hernandez atop this impressive Mariners leaderboard.

It was a frustrating game for the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, but they did eventually beat the Chicago White Sox, 3-2, at T-Mobile Park.

The Mariners left the bases loaded in multiple innings and squandered several scoring chances before Teoscar Hernandez's eventual game-winning home run in the seventh inning.

What wasn't frustrating for the M's was the pitching performance of rookie starter Bryan Woo.

Making just his third career start, Woo went 5.2 innings in the no decision, allowing two runs on three hits. He walked none and struck out nine.

With the nine strikeouts, Woo joined an elite list in franchise history -- one that puts him alongside legend Felix Hernandez.

Per Mariners PR on Twitter:

Most strikeouts in first 3 career starts, @Mariners history: 

1. Félix Hernández - 21 

2. Bryan Woo - 20 

T3. Bryce Miller - 18 

T3. Erik Hanson - 18 

5. Freddy García - 17 

Most strikeouts in first 3 career starts, @Mariners history:

1. Félix Hernández - 21
2. Bryan Woo - 20
T3. Bryce Miller - 18
T3. Erik Hanson - 18
5. Freddy García - 17

— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) June 17, 2023

Considering that Hernandez is entering the team's Hall of Fame this summer, to be linked with him in team history is a great accomplishment for Woo.

It also shows great poise and resolve, as Woo was dominated in his debut by the Texas Rangers. Because of that performance, he still has an ERA of 7.30, but he's getting better each time out there.

With the win, the Mariners are back to .500 at 34-34. They are 7.5 games out of the American League West lead and 4.0 games back in the wild card chase.

They'll play the White Sox again today at 4:10 p.m. ET. Logan Gilbert pitches against Lucas Giolito.

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