g4 | EriK returns

Mariners 4 | Rangers 6

AP Photo

on the mound
Considering it's been 618 days and 3 surgeries since Erik Bedard set foot on a big league mound ~and, oh by the way, the outing came in Arlington against red-hot Ranger bats~ I'd have to qualify his start as a success and definitely something to build upon (95P - 5IP - 4H - 3ER - 2BB - 3K).
Looking forward to seeing Erik on the Safeco Field mound this weekend!

Pauley pulled a bit of a Houdini act in his outing with just a wee bit of help from his second baseman. After giving up a lead-off double and proceeding to load the bases with walks to the next two batters, Pauley then saw magic happen with a double-play that was Wilson's "baseball ballet" (as Rick Rizzs put it).

And how 'bout Laffey?!?
Two scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and no walks in his Mariner debut.

at the plate
Well, they won the hit contest 10-7.  Unfortunately, the 3-13 w/RISP kept them from winning what really counts.  But still, there were some good signs, like four doubles and four guys with multiple hits (Bradley, Smoak, Olivo and Wilson)

of base paths and leather works
WEB GEM ALERT - that DP started by Jack Wilson DEFINITELY is a candidate - catching the ball over the bag and dragging his foot across it as he spins and throws to first.  Interesting on the post game show, Jack mentioned that it was the first time since the shift to 2B that he didn't have to think, he just reacted.  THAT is a VERY good sign.  The more I see of Jack at 2B and Brendan at SS, the more I like the tandem (hmm... think maybe they deserve a post of their own).
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E: 9 (eek, Ichiro!)
I predicted (incorrectly) that Ichiro would make up for his boo-boo with a home run.  Maybe tomorrow.

speaking of tomorrow
MICHAEL PINEDA!!!