Mariners' Felix Hernandez Posts American League's Lowest ERA Since 2000

Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez finished the 2014 season with a 2.14 ERA, representing the best mark posted by an American League starter since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 ERA in 2000, per MLB Stat of the Day.

Thanks to his 5.1 scoreless innings in Sunday's season finale against the Los Angeles Angels, Hernandez narrowly bested the 2.16 ERA posted by Zack Greinke for the Kansas City Royals in 2009.

Hernandez entered his final outing with a 2.18 ERA, but more importantly, the Mariners were just one game behind the division-rival Oakland Athletics for the final wild-card spot in the American League.

Making the most important start of a career that has not included any postseason appearances, Hernandez was pulled in the sixth inning after throwing just 68 pitches, as the A's finalized a 4-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.

The ace right-hander was well on his way to yet another gem, having allowed just one hit and no walks over 5.1 innings, with seven strikeouts to boot. In dropping his ERA from 2.18 to 2.14, Hernandez moved ahead of Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale (2.17) for the best mark in the American League.

Just as impressive as his sterling ERA, Hernandez finished the season with a 0.915 WHIP, which represents the second-best mark posted by any American League starter since the introduction of the designated hitter, per MLB Stat of the Day. Martinez's unthinkable 0.737 WHIP from 2000 sets the AL standard in the DH era.