I decided at the very last minute to attend this game (boy, am I glad I did!). I had gone to the Sounders match earlier in the day (they won 2-1 as well!) and thought I'd spend the afternoon doing chores, etc. and settle down on the couch to watch the last "away game at home". But, as the afternoon wore on and the Rangers lost and the Halos lost, I started feeling that I really wanted to see this one. So, off I went.
I got the cheapest ticket left (last row in the left field bleachers...
one of the only places I had yet to sit in Safeco). I spent the first couple innings watching from the rail in left field, then headed up to my seat for several innings and finally ended up on the main level in shallow left. Basically, I had lots of different perspectives on a very unique game.
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| My view from LF bleachers |
Poor Mr. Fister....
8 innings - 8 hits - 1 earned run - ZERO walks - 3 strikeouts
He not only pitched a gem but, through his eight innings, he was the only Mariner to score a run!
Through seven, Doug had given up NONE. Then came the bottom of the 8th and an epic battle with Infante. After old friend Jose Lopez singled with one out and was bunted to 2B, the Marlins SS put up a 12-pitch AB that would end with an RBI double to tie the game at one. Doug had FOUR innings that were under TWELVE pitches, so gotta give kudos to Infante.
Once again, Mr. Fister gets no run support and no win. But, the team got the win and I'm sure he'd be the first to say that's what matters.
In fact, Doug's run would be the only one the M's scored until the top of the 10th...
when Dustin doubled with one out, got to 3B on Miggy's sac-fly and then scored (are you ready for this?) on a wild pitch during an intentional walk.
Enter Brandon in the bottom of the 10th...
He gave up a hit, but was able to close it out for his 21st save.
After the heart-breaking outing in Washington, it was great to see David bounce back...
and with style - he retired the side in order in the 9th on six pitches.
The defense was absolutely superb (on both sides) tonight...
A couple of great double plays (including a nifty 3-6-3). Adam has had NO problem at 3B, made a couple of great plays, including great fielding of a bunt play and throw to JS who had to stretch, but got 'em and one he bobbled a bit, but was able to recover on. Dustin continues to impress (in more ways than one). Brendan made an AWESOME try just to get to a grounder and spin and throw ON THE MONEY, but a tad late. The Marlins made some really super plays as well (a couple outfield plays that definitely robbed XBH and an incredible diving play by their shortstop).
And, what can we say about Dustin Ackley, except...
He can really play baseball. He was 3 for 5 tonight with a single (to first), a double (to deep left) and a triple (to deep center) and his line out was to right field. Nice to see he can hit to all fields (and off quality big league pitching). He was really just t h i s close to having THREE triples.
Lots of great photos captured in this game but, since I'm tired, I'll just leave you with this 1000 words...
Steve Cishek - the Florida pitcher who threw the wild pitch during an intentional walk that allowed the what would be the winning run to score in the top of the 10th.
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| Getty Images |
I kinda feel bad for him but, not enough to dampen my joy of the M's win on a crazy night where the M's were visiting, wearing gray and batting first in their own park. Their starting pitcher threw eight innings of one-run ball and scored the Mariners only run during those eight innings. The offense left 12 on base, Dustin Ackley continued to prove he belongs and the defense was nothing short of superb.
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