Australian right-hander Liam Hendriks makes his third attempt at a first career victory tonight when the severely slumping Minnesota Twins host the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a three-game series at Target Field.
Hendriks, a 22-year-old native of Perth, was signed as an undrafted free agent and debuted with the Twins on Sept. 6, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Chicago White Sox. The 6-foot-1, 201-pounder allowed four hits and three runs in seven innings in the defeat, walking three batters and striking out four.
He returned for start No. 2 eight days later and was a 7-3 loser at Kansas City after allowing five runs on eight hits in just five innings, this time walking none and striking out two.
Prior to his call-up, Hendriks spent most of 2011 at Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester, going 12-6 in 25 appearances - 24 starts - with a 3.36 earned run average in 139 1/3 innings.
He'll be opposed by 28-year-old lefty Jason Vargas, who can equal the career- high of nine wins he established with the Mariners across 31 starts last season.
The California native picked up win No. 8 of 2011 in start No. 29, allowing a run and four hits in six innings of a 4-1 defeat of the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 8.
He failed in try No. 1 for victory No. 9 six days later, allowing three hits and a run in 6 2/3 innings of a game the Mariners ultimately won, 2-1, against the New York Yankees.
The former second-round pick of the Florida Marlins in 2004 is 1-1 in four career meetings with the Twins, posting a 4.74 ERA across 19 innings.
On Monday in Cleveland, Mike Carp hit an RBI double and clubbed his first career grand slam through steady rain to highlight a nine-run third inning as the Mariners pounded the Indians, 12-6, at Progressive Field.
Seattle returned to Cleveland on Monday to make up a game that was, coincidentally, rained out in May. The game was called after the seventh inning.
Alex Liddi smashed a two-run homer for the Mariners, who have won three of five.
Seattle starter Charlie Furbush (4-9) notched his first win since August 14 despite allowing six runs on 10 hits in five innings. The left-hander, who had lost his last five starts, struck out a career-high eight batters and walked one.
In New York, Minnesota lost its ninth straight game, as Mariano Rivera set the all-time saves record in the Yankees' 6-4 victory over the Twins.
Scott Diamond (1-5) allowed five runs on 10 hits and three walks in his four- inning start for the loss.
Michael Cuddyer and Chris Parmelee homered for Minnesota.
