SEATTLE (AP) — This is how good Felix Hernandez has pitched in making himself the clear leader for a second Cy Young award.

The ace of the Seattle Mariners has set the pace for a pitching staff that's on a record pace not seen from an American League team in 40 years and is the reason that Seattle is playing meaningful baseball in August for the first time in seven years.

Seattle is in the mix for the second wild card in the American League after winning eight of nine and it's because of a pitching staff that has a combined 2.95 ERA. They are led by Hernandez, who is on an overpowering run with 16 straight starts of at least seven innings pitched and two or fewer runs allowed.

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