Mariners ace Hernandez leaves game with tight elbow

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

SEATTLE, United States (AFP) — The Seattle Mariners's loss to Minnesota on Wednesday paled in comparison to the possible loss of young ace Felix Hernandez.

Hernandez left the major league baseball contest in the top of the first inning with tightness in his right elbow after retiring just one batter, and the Mariners went on to drop a 5-4 decision to the Twins.

Hernandez allowed three runs on two hits and two walks before the trainers came out of the dugout and lifted him with a 3-1 count on Justin Morneau.

He was to be re-examined on Thursday.

The 21-year-old righthander pitched a one-hitter April 11 at Boston and had allowed just four hits in 17 scoreless innings entering Wednesday's game.

"It was very unfortunate to see Felix go out,"...