Felix Hernandez 'disappointed' after falling short of 2nd Cy Young

Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez was nearly rendered speechless Wednesday night when he fell just short of his second career Cy Young award after being trumped in voting by Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians.

"I don't know what to say. That was tough," Hernandez told the Associated Press after finishing 10 points shy of Kluber in the voting. "A little disappointed. Just gives me more motivation to work harder and harder and be better next year."

Hernandez enjoyed the finest season of his illustrious career in 2014 - the veteran right-hander crafted a 2.14 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP over 34 starts for the Mariners - and was widely considered the favorite to land the prestigious award. The 28-year-old even said his performance this past season trumped that of 2010, when he was named the American League's top pitcher by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

"I did. I had a great year," Hernandez said. "Health, I feel fine the whole year. ... I think I pitched way better than 2010."

Kluber, however, secured the award with his brilliant performance throughout the second half of the season. The 28-year-old allowed two earned runs or fewer in 11 of his last 14 starts to finish the campaign with a 2.44 ERA over 34 outings while posting a 2.35 Fielding Independent Pitching - the best mark in the American League.