g53 | ending a 20-game stretch with a 21-spot

Mariners 21 | Rangers 8

maybe they just need to be tired...
the M's just finished playing 20 straight and 36 games in 37 days (23 on the road) and yet they scored 31 runs in 2 games ~ 10 more than they scored on the 7-game homestand

Fun w/ numbers....

• crazy 8's ~ TWO 8-run innings
• every starter had at least 1 hit + 1 run + 1 rbi (FIVE players had multiples of each)
• gaps ~ SEVEN doubles
• power ~ FOUR homers
• Smoaked ~ Justin with TWO 3-run homers
• elusive cycle ~ Jesus a triple away from the cycle 
• Ackley, Seagar, Smoak and Montero combined to go 12/20 with 13 runs and 15 rbi

Tony Gutierrez | AP

Rick Yeatts | Getty Images

As for the pitching...
Beavan was great through FIVE - giving up only TWO hits and NO walks and then things came a bit unraveled for him in the 6th when he allowed SIX hits (a triple, 2 doubles and 3 singles ) for FIVE runs. So, both he and Iwakuma (who gave up THREE runs in THREE innings) each raised their ERA's but because of the offensive explosion, it all worked out and the bullpen got a nice rest.

Rich Yeatts | Getty Images

Wedge had this to say this to say after the game...

"I was particularly pleased that they came back out and scored more runs later in the ballgame after they (the Rangers) scored a few runs,'' Wedge said. "That meant a lot to me. That says a lot about our guys, too. They kept it going. In this ballpark, against that team...you always have to keep it going, but especially here.''

The Mariners have tied the season series so far with the Rangers (5-5) and have out-scored them 57-41
Now, if they could just beat the Halos...

Off they to to ChiTown to enjoy a much-deserved day off before starting the series with the White Sox.
Here's hoping the momentum of the past couple games doesn't stall ;-)

After the game, it was announced that Steve Delabar had been optioned to AAA Tacoma and, though not official, speculation was that Stephen Pryor would be joining the team in Chicago.

g52 | hmmm... something seemed to click

Mariners 10 | Rangers 3

Who ARE these guys??

stringing together hit after hit after hit to score EIGHT runs in ONE inning?!?

let me just copy/paste from Yahoo! because it was such a beautiful thing...

- J. Jaso singled to right, K. Seager scored, J. Smoak to second

- B. Ryan safe at first on shortstop E. Andrus' fielding error, J. Smoak scored, J. Jaso to third, M. Saunders to second

- D. Ackley singled to shallow right, J. Jaso scored, M. Saunders to third, B. Ryan to second

- M. Carp singled to right, M. Saunders scored, B. Ryan to third, D. Ackley to second

- I. Suzuki hit sacrifice fly to shallow right center, B. Ryan scored

- D. Ackley scored, C. Figgins to third on wild pitch

Ackley, Seager, Jaso and Saunders all with multiple hit nights (Jaso with a 2-run homer to get things started in the 2nd)

Yes, their were some Ranger errors and miscues but, taking advantage of those is all part of the game.
There were also some pretty fancy plays on the M's side of the ledger, like this DP with the bases loaded and only one out... video
I'm thinking Mr. Ryan et al, may have been treated to a nice Texas steak dinner by Mr. Vargas :-)

Seriously though, Vargas pitched very well ....
SIX+ innings and only THREE runs (a 3-run shot by Hamilton) on FIVE hits
pretty outstanding line against this powerhouse - well done, Jason!

and the BP of Kelley, Luetge and Wilhelmsen added TWO+ scoreless

If they can take the series tomorrow, it's a great start to the road trip, as series win AND a season series tie with the R's ... stranger things have happened, right?

g51 | arlington argh

Mariners 2 | Rangers 4

Another close one vs. the Rangers.

Millwood was effective, though not very efficient...
took him 100 pitches to get through FIVE innings but, he only gave up ONE run - a solo shot to Cruz

Delabar's 5+ scoreless streak ended with a 3-run shot to Napoli...
thus becoming the leader in homers given up by a reliever

Ryan continued his stellar field play and added an RBI triple...
unfortunately, Brendan (and 3B coach Datz) were a bit to confident that it could be stretched into an inside-the-parker (granted, the Rangers had to execute a perfect relay - and they did)

Ricky Yeatts | Getty Images

Montero singled to RIGHT, twice!
once driving in the game's first run
he also threw out a would-be base-stealer
but wasn't very happy after popping up in the 8th

Brandon Wade | AP

gotta score more than two runs when in Arlington but, baby steps...
at least there was no heartbreak at the end
but, there was heart and hustle
and hey - League had a clean inning

g50 | spittin' bristles

Mariners 2 | Angels 4

As baseball experiences go, not much worse than being swept in a 4-game series -at home- by the team below you in the standings.

So, as usual, I'll focus on the good.

HECTOR
another EIGHT inning outing with only FIVE hits and THREE runs allowed (TWO of which were SOLO shots - ok, on 0-2 pitches, he'll need to work on that)

JUSTIN
5/12 in the series with 2R, 2HR and 6RBI (and a stolen base!)

JESUS
doubled and scored
walked and scored on a wild pitch (after advancing on another)

DEFENSE
was awesome today ~ Ichiro made a couple of great running catches, Miggy threw out a base stealer (yes, two others made it) and Brendon Ryan made a SPECTACULAR play!


tip o' the cap to CJ Wilson...
ground ball after ground ball - argh!



Now, off they go to Texas, Chicago and Anaheim.

g49 | seeing red...

Mariners 3 | Angels 5

Unfortunately, Felix's Court didn't have much to feel "royal" about but, it was great to see the biggest one ever - 4 whole sections!

It was turn back the clock night...

all the way back to 1955...
since the M's hadn't been "born" yet, the current M's donned Seattle Rainiers uniforms. While I loved the old uni's (especially the high socks!) the red was a bit disconcerting - I am so conditioned to root AGAINST red.

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Felix didn't appear to have his "A" stuff but, he pitched adequately through FIVE...
giving up FIVE hits, ONE walk and a SOLO shot to, who else, Alber. Then came the 6th which stunned pretty much everyone, including Felix, when Callaspo hit a grand slam home run. Amazing how the tide can turn after a couple of singles...

The bullpen duo of Delabar and Kelley was effective...
kept 'em in it and picked up Felix for three complete innings

As per the series, not much offense was mustered...
although it was good to see Justin hit another Smoak-bomb
and, Ackley and Carp each with a SB and an RBI

At least it was a beautiful day at The Safe...

After the game, my salve was a glass of Tempranillo and Strawberries Devonshire...
(OK, it was just half 'n' half from QFC, but it did the trick ;) )

Can we avoid spittin' bristles tomorrow?!?

g48 | broken hearts at the Safe

Mariners 4 | Angels 6

Blake had a nice outing and deserved to win...
no shame in giving one up to Pujols, especially when he was really the only one that had anything going against either Blake or Tom.

League, was another matter...
a hit, a walk and a throwing error and it was essentially over.
You.Can't.Do.That.With.A.One.Run.Lead

argh!!!!


In general, the offense was better...
of course coming off ZERO walks and FOURTEEN strikeouts, how could it not be better?
But, only ONE of the 7 walks tonight scored - they had the bases loaded TWICE in the first inning and only scored ONCE. I remember thinking at the time, please take advantage of this like you did in the second game against Yu Darvish, don't let it slip away like in the first game against him. I hate it when I have dire premonitions.

bright spot?
Justin Smoak recorded all FOUR RBI ~ including a 2-run Smoak-bomb

Elaine Thompson | AP

g47 | strikingly bad...

Mariners 0 | Angels 3

Well, THAT was disappointing.

Needless to say, watching (in person) the M's lose to the Halos by striking out 14 times against Haren was NOT the greatest way to start my 4-day weekend. At least the young adults sitting behind me (two gals and three guys) were entertaining - the gals were explaining the game to the guys :-)

I didn't have a great vibe even before Albert's homer...
Vargas seemed to be pitching in molasses or something - he was taking  F O R E V E R  between pitches. But, all things considered, his final line was respectable and definitely gave them a chance to win. And, Delabar was great - two hitless/scoreless innings with 3K's. So, the pitching, as expected was not the problem vs. the Angels who have scored even fewer runs than the M's

't was all about the bats - or lack thereof...
vs. really good pitching. Haren hasn't gotten off to the greatest of starts - and unfortunately, he was able to take a huge leap in the right direction vs. the M's. Wedge was not at all in a "cap-tipping" move after the game and no bones about his displeasure with his post game comments. He said that Haren was pitching exactly the same in the 9th as he was in the 1st because the M's hitters made absolutely no adjustments. Here's hoping they learn to adjust, with Liddi leading the charge. FOUR has been his number the last couple games : 4 RBI on one swing on Wednesday vs. the Rangers, 4 K's on Thursday night vs. the Halos...

Elaine Thompson | AP

Prior to the game...
Miguel Olivo was activated from the DL and Casper Wells was sent to Tacoma

g46 | Millwood mows and Liddi launches...

Mariners 5 | Rangers 3

of course, due to the early start, I was unable to watch or listen (and was green with envy toward some of my co-workers who got to enjoy an outing at The Safe today!!) But, I kept track here and there via GameDay...

What has gotten into "old man Millwood"?!?
first the Yankees in NY...
then the Rockies in Colorado...
and now the Rangers at The Safe???

SIX innings - THREE hits - ZERO runs - ONE walk - TWO strikeouts
those are good numbers against ANY team - against the Rangers, they are GREAT
way to go, Kevin!

The 7th was a bit curious...
it took THREE pitchers to get through FOUR batters for THREE out - but, they did it.

The Bartender made things a bit too interesting in the 8th...
a single, a steal, a double, a home and boom! the Rangers had THREE runs

Maybe Tom just wanted to ensure Brandon of the save opportunity...
which he seized completely (without so much as a lead off walk even!)
Cruz fly out, Torrealba strike out, Napoli strike out

Nice to see Jesus catching the dreaded "day game after a night game"...
and he's still standing (posted a double and ANOTHER walk (his 6th in 11 games - he had 2 in April)

Offense posted only FOUR hits, but SIX walks and...
oh, yeah - this Italian kid, Liddi, hit one a LONG way with the bases loaded

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Whadaya know?!?
the M's not only won a series against the Rangers, they managed to hold them to only SEVEN runs on FOUR hits and strikeout TWENTY-FOUR in the 3-game set.

by the way, apparently Italian grand slams are a bit on the rare side...

Liddi's slam was just the second in major league history by an Italian born player. Reno Bertoia hit a grand slam on May 7, 1958, for Detroit against Washington.

g45 | hard luck Hector

Mariners 1 | Rangers 3

AWESOME performance by Hector!
~ just one rough inning, really only one mistake pitch - a hanger to Andrus for a 2-run triple in the 3rd
~ love how he has continued to improve and am REALLY impressed how he worked this lineup
8IP - 3H - 3R - 2BB - 7K
He only allowed ONE hit after the 3rd (and Luegte and Delabar combined for a 1 hit 0 rin inning)

Offense started out so well...
a Liddi walk, an Ichiro single and a Smoak single had the M's on the board in the first
then Seager walked to load the bases and Wells  a l m o s t   hit one out  to really break it open but, Hamilton showed that he is not JUST a hitter (and later he would similarly rob Liddi of at least a double)

Ted Warren | AP

M's actually outhit the Rangers 7 to 4 and they each had 2 walks

But, they just couldn't put it all together tonight when it counted.

Rubber game tomorrow....

g44 | take that - Yu!

Mariners 6 | Rangers 1

So glad I decided to go (Felix vs. Yu - how could I NOT?!?)

I sat near some Texas fans on the train on the way to The Safe - a couple with young kids and another young man. They apparently didn't know one another but, from what I gathered from their conversation, were all from Texas finding themselves living in Seattle. The couple had been to Safeco Field before and were giving the other gentleman who had not been there, a glowing description of it. It also was nice to hear all of them appreciating (and even sort of rooting for) our young players. I guess mostly because they have "been there, done that" and can relate :-)

Sweet turn-around, buckle-down for Felix...
But, we've come to expect nothing less - especially when he comes off a rare, rough outing.
He was in command tonight: 8IP - 6H - 1ER - 2BB - 7K

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

The lone run he allowed was a solo shot in the 8th and the only other extra base hit a double in the third. King's Court was rocking, thoroughly enjoying each and every one of the SEVEN strikeouts (most especially the TWO of Josh Hamilton - who, by the way, they sang Happy Birthday to ;-) )

Kevin P. Casey | AP

Wilhelmsen came in to finish things off...
fly out, strike out, ground out

Interesting offense tonight, knocked Darvish out after 97 pitches in just FOUR innings...

Kevin P. Casey | AP

Rare to record more walks (7) than hits (5) but they'll take the runs (6) anyway they can!
Saunders walked and scored the FIRST run in the 1st inning when Ichiro "tripled" - the ball stuck between the track and the wall, otherwise it would have been just a double. In the 3rd, Ichiro plated the SECOND run in what started out a bit more conventionally - a single to center field. But, Hamilton's throwing error allowed Ichiro to get to 3B (again) and the other runner to score the THIRD run. Jesus then got Ichiro home on a sac-fly for the FOURTH run. Then came the 4th inning when Darvish walked the bases-loaded and Ackley hit an RBI single for the M's FIFTH run. The SIXTH run came via a Seager walk and a Montero double in the 7th

Kevin P. Casey | AP

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Shout out to the D...
TWO inning-ending double plays (2nd, 8th)

So good to have them home, if only for a week...
Shannon mentioned on the post game that it was a particularly tough road trip, not so much the fact of the four cities or even the tough competition but, the day-night travel was the killer. No doubt the guys are glad to be home and sleeping in their own bed. And, she posted this fun tweet....

Noesi and Iwakuma "talking" at their lockers. Noesi using Google translate on laptop, Iwakuma Japaese program on his phone. =Mariners

Some other interesting factoids from the post game show...
~17-6 when scoring 4+
~ 3-18 when scoring 3-

g43 | whew! sweeeeeeeeep!

Mariners 6 | Rockies 4

M's were cruising through this one until the 9th inning, when League decided to make it a little too interesting. Thankfully, he got the job done in the end but, not without a legion of M's fans needing copious amounts of Tums to get through it. After the game, he would explain that while a homer and three singles in the 9th with a FOUR run lead was not the optimal result - he did feel like he made progress from his work with Willis and Navarro. Here's hoping...

David Zalubowski | AP

OK, nuf of that, on to the really GOOD stuff...
SIX runs on NINE hits, including TWO doubles, ONE triple and THREE home runs
I think we'd take that extra-base to hit ratio any day and TWICE on Sunday (and hey, it's Sunday!)

the first inning more or less set the tone....
Ackley led off with a double and then after 2-outs, Seager walked, started a delayed steal that, along with a bad throw from the catcher, allowed Ackley to score.  Montero then walked and Smoak came through with an RBI single.

Montero parlayed his 2-day rest into production for the second straight day...
batting fifth today and going 1/3 with a walk and a 2-run shot

Justin Edmonds | Getty Images

Smoak continued his hot-hitting...
back-to-back homer w/Jesus and an RBI single

Saunders didn't produce, but...
had a couple really hard hit balls - j u s t missed a homer and hit an at 'em ball to the 2Bman

Carp with his second homer of the series

And, last, but not at ALL least, the pitching performances...
Blake was pretty stellar 5IP - 7H - 2ER - 1BB - 7K
even helped his cause a bit by executing a sac bunt in his second ever major league AB and recorded a HUGE strikeout of Todd Helton with two aboard in the 5th. It was curious that Wedge took him out after that inning (since he'd only thrown 82 pitches) but, it worked.

Justin Edmonds | Getty Images

Kelly, Furbush and Wilhelmsen followed up with a combined THREE scoreless innings (1H - 0BB - 5K). And then it was BLTT (Brandon League Tums Time)

Justin Edmonds | Getty Images

This is just a really cool shot ...
I love how Ryan is all blurry and Ichiro and the bull pen chair are crystal clear...

Justin Edmonds | Getty Images

ok - home again, home again, lickety split!
M's have played 28 road games compared to only 15 at home

g42 | double-digit runs, series victory!

Mariners 10 | Rockies 3

hits, hits and more runs!!!
1-5 combined for 10/22, 3 walks, 6 runs, and 8 RBI = not too shabby


Vargas bounced back beautifully from his horrid start in BeanTown...
't wasn't a complete game shutout (like "oldman Millwood") but was still pretty darned good
the Rockies didn't get their first hit until the 3rd and their second hit until the 6th and got all THREE of their runs in the 7th
7IP - 5H - 3R - 1BB - 1K

Justin Edmonds | Getty Images

and, lookie here #2, the bullpen pitched TWO scoreless innings...
Kelley and Delabar preserved Jason's 5th victory

yes - I realize you can get this info from the box score but, humor me, 't was so much fun...


Ackley starts another hit-streak...
after snapping his 13-gamer last night, today with a run and an RBI

Wells contributing in his limited chances...

2/4 with a walk, a run and 2 RBI

Montero's rest pays off...
3/4 with a walk, a run and ONE RBI

Seager is HOT, HOT, HOT...
3/4 with a double, a homer, a walk, a run and THREE RBI

Brendan may FINALLY be comin' 'round...

TWO more hits today (including a triple!) and he scored both times

And, lookie here, the pitcher helps himself...
not only did Jason get a hit AND a walk, he scored a run and recorded an RBI

g41 | veteran battery, youthful bats

Mariners 4 | Rockies 0

whodathunk that the M's first CG this season would be ala Kevin Millwood?!?
and a shutout to boot! and in Colorado?
Kevin seems to thrive on stiff competition, on the road (in Texas, in New York, in Colorado)
9IP - 2H - 1BB - 7K
good on ya, Kevin!

Huge for the bullpen to get some much needed rest.

the offense coming through...
only EIGHT hits but ONE double (Jaso), TWO triples (Saunders and Seager) and ONE homer (Carp)

Jack Dempsey | AP

the defense looking more like the defense I've come to know and love...
~ outfield assist from Saunder swas On.The.Money. to Seager at 3B

Jack Dempsey | AP

~ nice running catch for Carp
~ super great play by Seager for the second out in the 9th, he backed up KM who valiantly dove for it

g40 | 't was in their grasp

Mariners 5 | Indians 6 in 11

and the bullpen blew it to smithereens.

For whatever reason, I can accept and deal with

offensive futility or, even the occasional starter

meltdown, so much easier than the heartbreak of a

bullpen blowup (especially when it happens

TWICE in ONE game).






I can honestly say I'm glad I was unable to watch, or even listen, to this one - it was truly heart-breaking


Noesi pitched well against a good team... 
he deserved so much better.

The bats came around  j u s t  enough...
only 8 hits but 3 were doubles and they posted 2 SB and 7BB (though Ichi was 0/6 - ouch!)

Three of the Five BP guys posted scoreless outings... 
Luetge (allowed an IR), Wilhelmsen and Furbush

The M's scored their first run in the 3rd and kept adding on, at one point leading 4-0... 
Luetge allowed an inherited runner to score after taking over for Noesi in the 7th but, the lead seemed safe. Enter Delabar, and the FIRST blown save via a walk, a double and a 3-run shot to our old pal Jose Lopez - they would head to extras. The M's scored first, in the 11th on a clutch RBI double by Michael Saunders (doing quite well in the 2-hole, btw). Enter League, and the SECOND blown save via THREE walks, a wild pitch and TWO singles. It was Brandon's THRID blown save of the season (his SECOND vs. the Tribe). The others were BOTH stellar Felix starts. Here's hoping BLT has met his meltdown quota for the season.

This was, by FAR, the toughest loss of the road trip.

Maybe the M's have better results as they move in a westerly direction.
Next stop, Colorado (darn, looks like they'll miss Jamie - too bad that would have been fun).

g39 | a very UNhappy Felix Day

Mariners 3 | Indians 9

Felix said in the post game he wasn't going to talk about it again, so I won't rehash it here. Nor will I enumerate the entirely too many coachable, learning moments that Montero endured in just one inning, let alone the entire game. I'll let Greg Johns give you the gory details.

Aside from the battery performance, the other bad news is that the M's only had SIX hits.
The good news is, Ackley and Saunders had FIVE of them (including Ackley's third homer of the season). And, then there was Iwakuma - he continues to provide a valuable service of mopping up after sloppy starts and saving the bullpen - a role that tends to go under appreciated.


Hey, Jamie Moyer made some more history tonight...

MLBNetwork

#MLBTonight, @Rockies pitcher Jamie Moyer became the oldest player in MLB history by 155 days to record an RBI after his single in the 4th.

g38 | back to the basement...

Mariners 0 | Red Sox 5

Beavan ~
4K's = good
3BB's = not so good
93 pitches to get through 4IP = much less than priceless

the bullpen didn't fair a whole lot better

but, WOE is the O...
only FOUR hits ~ ALL singles
blech, blech, blech


But, hey, I heard the pre-game ceremony to honor Tim Wakefield was kinda cool :-)

Elise Amendola | AP

g37 | nearly blanked in Fenway

Mariners 1 | Red Sox 6

Early start and dinner guests prevented me paying too much attention to this one (and maybe that was a good thing). Obviously, Vargas didn't have things clicking from the get-go and the bats were about as punchless as you can get for EIGHT hits ... ALL singles.

Hey, at least Jesus threw out a runner :-)

Well, at least they had fun on the train ride up...

via Shawn Kelley twitpic

g36 | Millwood, Casper, Justin and the DEE

Mariners 6 | Yankees 2
(funny, that was the score of the first two games - only this time, the GOOD guys got SIX!)

DEE first
cuz it was so darned spectacular and was what enabled Millwood to have his first outstanding outing
~ nice running catch by Wells in the 2nd to nab a ball in the LF corner (more about him later...)
~ a sliding save by Saunders in the 8th to keep a double to a single
~ THREE double plays (TWO of the inning-ending variety, ONE with the bases loaded!)


Casper was having a DAY!!!
fun to see Casper get a chance to play in his "old stomping grounds" (he is from and we'll forgive him his Yankee-fandom - this time...
~ nice running catch near the LF wall (as previously mentioned)
~ 2-run homer in the 6th to give the M's a 4-1 lead (and he blew a kiss to his mom in the stands)
~ participated in ALL THREE put-outs in the 9th - two fly balls and an assist at 3B when Swisher tried to stretch a double into a triple (Swisher looked safe on the reply but, we'll take it - it's not like the Y's never catch a break)

as for Old Man Millwood
Amazing how when he limits the big inning damage, he's successful :-)
Millwood's final line 7IP - 3H - 2ER - 4BB - 6K
I think we'd take that every day and twice on Sunday!
OK, he could improve the walks (the only runs the Yanks scored were via bases-loaded walks)

I was thinking how it was great to see that Millwood and Montero seemed to make made the necessary adjustments to get on the same page for this game, considering their last game in Seattle (a 4-6 loss to the Tiggers) they weren't even in the same book, and then I heard Millwood on the post game show confirm it. After he said he felt his success was from changing speeds, moving the ball and keeping it on the ground, he also gave credit to his defense ("...not everyone can turn that" - referring to Brendan's DP on Jeter's grounder) as well as his catcher.  Millwood said that he and Montero talked after that last game and that they also both spoke with pitching coach Carl Willis. Millwood said, "I don't feel like I should have to call pitches from the mound and I didn't call pitches today he did a much better job and got locked in there for awhile" 

It's a process and obvious that progress is being made on that process.

The BP did just enough through their two innings
Wlihelmson, Luegte, Delebar, Charlie and League combined for 3H - 2H - 1ER - 2BB - 2K

Gotta feel great for Justin
His homer today and his 6/12 series should be a real confidence builder

On the flip side, Brendan has to be so frustrated right now
he can't do ANYTHING with the bat, yet he does EVERYTHING with the glove
he did put up a good AB in the 9th working the count full (including a deep foul) and drawing a walk after getting behind 1-2

Off to BeanTown!

g35 | only moral victories here...

Mariners 2 | Yankees 6

Totally missed the game due to some early Mother's Day celebration, so I won't go into much detail, just mention a couple of moral victories that, one day, will help translate to actual victories...

Hector hung in and there
After an extremely rough 2nd inning, he made some necessary adjustments and, with the exception of "Mariner-Killer, Raul Ibanez" was able to pretty much shut them down for another 5 innings - retiring d 9 of the last 10 batters he faced.

Offense hit and miss
~ Ackley continues to improve in the lead-off spot - he's had at least one hit per game (2 yesterday) since being ensconced there
~ Carp is starting to come 'round, with a homer and and "almost homer" (called back after reply and changed to a double)
~ Smoak followed up yesterday's three-hit game with one hit ... baby steps
~ Jaso needs runners on .... BA w/empty bases = .200 BA w/runners on = .364

g34 | rare Felix fail in da Bronx

Mariners 2 | Yankees 6

't was a promising start...
Ackley's first career lead-off homer seemed like a good omen for the rest of the game.
But, the lead was short-lived, as the Yanks tied things up in the bottom of the 1st via a couple of singles and a steal.

then, nothing much happened until the 6th...
when Jesus provided then next good omen - an "oppo boppo" (as Larry Stone put it) and smiles abounded in the visitors dugout. Then, once again, the Yanks came back almost immediately in the bottom of the frame - this time via a 3-run shot off the bat of Raul Ibanez on a sinker that didn't sink (as Geoff Baker reports).

definitely NOT a Happy Felix Day...
but even a "bad"' Felix is oodles better than your average bear.
But, when you consider he gave up the same amount of runs (4) and allowed HALF the amount of hits (11) in less than SEVEN innings tonight that he had in his previous FIVE games - Felix was not King tonight.

the bright side...
the homers from Dustin and Jesus
Justin's THREE-hit night - that was REALLY good to see
Jesus behind the dish (other than the SB)

Hector vs. Hughes tomorrow.

g33 | Jason and the D

Mariners 2 | Tigers 1

D-E-F-E-N-S-E
spinning, pivots, bare-handed grabs, back-handed stabs...
yes - most by Brendan Ryan but, Kyle Seager was smack in the middle of those THREE double plays (TWO of the inning ending variety) AND Jason Vargas is certainly no slouch at fielding his position and he showed it tonight.

Elaine Thompson | AP

Elaine Thompson | AP 

And, speaking of Jason...
SUPERB on the mound tonight ~ 8IP - 5H - 1R - ZEROBB - 6K
With only 90 pitches, I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking it would have been nice to see him get the CG (he did have 3 CG's last season).

Smyly had 'em stymied for most of the 6 innings he pitched...
BUT, they managed to score j u s t  enough.
~ In the 4th, Ichiro singled and stole 2B and Kyle doubled him home (13 of his 20 RBI have come with TWO outs)

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

~ In the 8th, Michael led off with a double, Figgy sacrificed him to 3B and Jaso singled him home

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Elaine Thompson | AP

And the lead was secured...
despite the lead-off walk, Brandon nailed down his 8th save and the M's 15th victory

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

After 16 games in-a-row the M's "off-day" will be spent flying cross-country to NY where a series with the Yanks will start 20 straight games.

TRIVIA
~ going into tonight's game, the M's were 0-10 when scoring 2 or fewer runs
~ Cabrera was 0-13 with 3 GDIP for the series (courtesy Larry Stone tweet)
~ Ichiro hit a milestone tonight ... he is in sole possession of #100 on the All-Time Hits list with 2467

M*A*S*H
~ Guti has apparently recovered nicely from the pec problem but, is now dealing with plantar faciitis
~ Still uncertain if Beavan will be cleared to pitch on his normal rest after taking a line shot to the elbow

MOVING UP
~ Steven Prior went from AA Jackson to AAA Tacoma yesterday
~ Moises Hernandez (Felix's older brother) has been placed on the 15-day DL

g32 | no miracles tonight...

Mariners 4 | Tigers 6

Unless you count Millwood's outing...
~ loaded the bases in the first yet but, got out of it giving up just one run
~ all kinds of damage in the second (2 singles, 2 doubles, a walk and FOUR runs)
~ then he retired the side in the 4th AND 5th
~ loaded the bases again in the 6th but, escaped with no further damage
~ so, yes, he gave up 5 runs in 5 innings but, it seemed like it was going to be SO. much. worse.

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

The BP was solid again...
~ Shawn Kelley gave up solo shot (Fielder's 5th) but great to see him back for TWO full innings
~ L & L (Luetge and League) with a combined TWO scoreless

the offense did a decent job vs. Verlander and the rest of the Tiggers...
~ at least got him to 100 pitches after 5 innings
~ Seager continues to scorch, another 2 hits and 2RBI
~ Ackley and Ryan also seem to be thriving in their newly ensconced 1 & 2 spots respectively
~ patience showing up with 6 walks tonight
~ made it exciting in the 9th again with the first TWO on via walk and Jesus up with the bases loaded and TWO outs - but up a good AB but flew out to the right field stands that a fan make a great catch.

Well, no matter what happens tomorrow, the M's will have winning recorsd vs. Detriot this season.

g31 | of elbows, bullpens, wild closers and clutch doubles

Mariners 3 | Tigers 2

Poor Doug Fister...
the Mariner offense refused to give him any run support when he was on their side and tonight, the Mariner offense refused to let up when they were on the other side (but, I am glad to see he has recovered from his early season injury and pitching well).

Scary moment, in more ways than one...
when Cabrera's hot shot went right off Beavan's elbow in the third inning.
~ the first concern - of course, for Blake's heath.
~ the second - turning the game over to a pen so early in the game, that has been a bit shaky of late.
(oh - and in all the upset - it sort of gets forgotten that they turned a pretty nifty double-play!)

Ted S. Warren | AP

But, worry was for naught...
Blake may miss a start but, it doesn't appear to be anything too serious.
And, the BP stepped up B I G T I M E !!!

~ Iwakuma gave up ONE run in THREE innings and recorded FIVE strikeouts. Considering his minimal innings so far and the Tigers potent lineup, I'd say that gets and "A" for the day.

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

~ The rest of the pen (Kelley, Furbush and Delabar) allowed only TWO hits and ONE walk and combined for a scoreless THREE innings

So, just when I was thinking that the what I've already written above would be the "bright spot" in a disappointing loss ~the M's only had FOUR hits in EIGHT innings, wasn't a stretch, even for rosy old me, to think that this one was in the bag for the Tiggers~ then, the bottom of the 9th happened!

Facing Dotel, Ryan and Ichiro got abord via back-to-back walks, advanced on a wild pitch and Ryan scored on a passed ball. Jesus doubled to deep center (where else?) and Ichiro came home to tie the game at TWO. Kawasaki then ran for Jesus and Kyle sacrificed him to 3B and Jaso hit a sac-fly to bring him home ...

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

 and elation ensued. 

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Otto Greule, Jr | Getty Images

Good on ya, boys.
Now go get Verlander :-)

g30 | series win at The Safe

Mariners 5 | Twins 2

Hector with a really, steady outing
7IP - 4H - 1ER - 3BB - 5K
The lone run he allowed was a solo shot in the 7th - it was his best outing since he pitched against the A's back April. We know he can work with Jesus, nice to him work well with Jaso as well.

the offense showing signs of turning a corner
~ nearly everyone got into the action one way or another (with the exception of Saunders :( )
~ only SEVEN hits but, THREE for extra bases (Jesus double, Ackley triple and Carp's first homer)
~ also FIVE more walks (one of which came around to score

Ted S. Warren | AP

Otto Greule Jr | Getty Images

Ted S. Warren | AP

BP still a bit inconsistent
~ Luke with another scoreless inning is still sporting a nice 0.00 ERA
~ Tom has been a bit shaky of late, today giving up a solo shot and a walk in his one inning, but was able to preserve the victory.

Otto Greule Jr | Getty Images

Ted S. Warren | AP

Speaking of the BP - forgot to mention yesterday
Shawn Kelley is back!
Erasmo Ramirez sent down to AAA - reportedly, to start
(and, with the way things have been going in Tacoma lately - they could use him!)

Lovin' the defense with a capital D
some pretty awesome (including bare-handed plays) by Brendan Ryan at short and Kyle Seager at 3B