Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners named the American League Pitcher of the Month for June

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez has been voted American League Pitcher of the Month for June.

Hernandez compiled a 3-1 record with a 1.22 ERA, six walks and 54 strikeouts in 44.1 innings pitched over six starts to claim his fourth career Pitcher of the Month Award, the first for the Mariners since he last won the honor in August 2012. Among qualifying starters in the A.L. with a minimum of 26.0 innings pitched, Felix finished first in innings, second in ERA and fewest hits per nine innings pitched (5.28), tied fo second in strikeouts and was fourth in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (10.96). Opposing hitters batted just .170 off of the right-hander.

The 28-year-old began his award-winning month on June 2nd at Yankee Stadium, allowing two runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts in 7.0 innings as Seattle topped New York, 10-2, in a makeup game between the two Clubs stemming from an April 30th postponement. The one day trip to the Bronx gave Felix his fifth consecutive winning start. In his next trip to the bump on June 8th, the Venezuelan native scattered four hits, walked one and struck out a career-high 15 batters over 7.0 shutout innings as the Mariners blanked the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-0, at Tropicana Field. The 15-strikeout effort, which saw Hernandez strike out the side in three of his seven frames pitched, marked the most punchouts for an M's starter since Randy Johnson struck out 15 Anaheim Angels on July 11, 1998. On June 18th, the 10-year veteran pitched into the ninth inning, but took the loss as the Texas Rangers defeated Seattle, 1-0, at Safeco Field. Hernandez allowed one run on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts for just his second loss of the season. The 2010 A.L. Cy Young Award winner returned to his victorious ways against the Boston Red Sox on June 23rd, allowing a pair of runs on six hits with six strikeouts over 7.0 innings as the Mariners topped the Sox, 12-3, at Safeco Field. His 95 pitches were his second-fewest pitches thrown in a start this season and it marked the fifth time he issued no free passes. Hernandez saved what might be his best for last on June 29th against the Cleveland Indians, allowing just one hit with three walks and nine strikeouts over 8.0 shutout innings to guide the Mariners to a 3-0 triumph over the Tribe in Seattle. King Felix issued three walks, tying a season high, but also struck out at least nine for the eighth time this year.

Heading into play today, Hernandez is 10-2 with a 2.10 ERA, 22 walks and 137 strikeouts in 128.1 innings pitched over 18 starts. He is second in the A.L. in innings, strikeouts and ERA and is tied for third in wins.

Others receiving votes included Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim right-hander Garrett Richards (4-0, 1.05 ERA, 34.1 IP, 35 SO); Boston Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester (4-1, 1.98 ERA, 41.0 IP, 32 SO); Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish (4-2, 2.51 ERA, 43.0 IP, 57 SO); Baltimore Orioles right-hander Bud Norris (4-0, 2.55 ERA, 24.2 IP, 20 SO); and Kansas City Royals left-hander Danny Duffy (3-2, 1.69 ERA, 37.1 IP, 31 SO).

The American League Pitcher of the Month, Felix Hernandez, will receive a specially designed trophy, suitably engraved, for his accomplishment.