For the first time in his career, Felix Hernandez has been named the American League Pitcher of the Month - winning the award for a June in which he went 3-0 in five starts with an 0.94 earned run average.

In those five starts, Felix worked 38 1/3 innings, struck out 35 batters and posted the lowest June ERA in major league baseball.

"It wasn't a surprise, was it?" joked pitching coach Rick Adair. "Along with everything else he did, he saved our bullpen every fifth day. I pretty much left him alone."

The month included his third career shutout, against San Diego, and at one point he threw 20 consecutive scoreless innings.
Hernandez has always loved the month of June, and his career record in it is 11-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 19 starts.

"Since spring training, Felix has just been getting better and better," manager Don Wakamatsu said. "The way he carries himself, on the field and in the clubhouse. It's like a lot of things have clicked.

"He's become more efficient, and his competitive nature is always there."

What's the award get him? A big-screen television.