Starting tomorrow night on Mariners Mondays on ROOT SPORTS — three gems from Hisashi Iwakuma.

Kuma had his split-finger fastball working on May 8 against the Kansas City Royals. In his second start of the season, Iwakuma struck out seven and walked none over eight innings for a 1–0 shutout against the eventual American League Champs. Iwakuma scattered four singles and only one baserunner reached second.

On July 12, Hisashi Iwakuma Bobblehead Night, Kuma bounced back after a couple of tough outings with a solid 8 2/3 innings. His outstanding pitching effort got a boost from Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano, who both homered, for a 6–2 win over the Oakland Athletics. Kuma struck out five of the first six batters he retired and allowed only five hits. Iwakuma’s scoreless innings streak was snapped at 20 in the 9th inning when Brandon Moss hit a two-run home run.

The Mariners offense gave Iwakuma an early lead in his August 19 start at Philadelphia, and he shut down the Phillies offense for a 5–2 win. Kuma struck out a season-high 11 batters over eight scoreless innings. Fernando Rodney preserved the win in the 9th when he was called in with two outs and the tying run at the plate. Rodney struck out Cody Asche for his 36th save.

Mariners Mondays episodes air at 7pm on ROOT SPORTS through March leading up to the April 6th Opening Day game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field.