g111 | tough birds

Mariners 1 | Orioles 3

So here's the deal...
The M's had a great thing going at home vs a weak KC and a struggling Toronto. Then they get to NY and split the first two, as expected, with CC and Felix dominating their respective starts. It was the third game that was a toss-up going in and, unfortunately for the M's, they weren't up to even their snuff, with Brendan Ryan out due to being hit on the elbow in the previous game and Mike Carp out for paternity. It really affected the defense (which had to shift significantly) and the offense, as Carp and, believe it or not Ryan, are two of the M's hottest hitters of late. Anyway, they were on a bit of a role when they were all in their roles but, clearly when sh*t happens, depth is an issue. Carp was back (apparently just under the wire) for this game, Ryan was still out.....Waiver wire???

Back to the game at hand, which I didn't get to see and barely got to listen to...

Viva La Vargas! 
Yes, he gave up yet another home run (something he is apparently very good at this season) BUT, he also pitched EIGHT full innings only giving up THREE runs in the band-box that is Camden Yards. Good on ya, July Pitcher of the Month, way to keep 'em in it.

The offense on the other hand, was less than steller vs. exM farmhand Tillman...
they managed SEVEN hits but, only ONE for extra bases (Thames double) and ONE run (RBI single by Kawasaki that scored Thames) and not until the EGHTH inning.

~ good Mune: the RBI single and the TWO hits that finally put him over the mendoza line (leaving Figgy as the sole batter mired below it)
~ bad Mune: lost a high pop-up in the sky(?) and tried, but was unsuccessful, in taking second on that RBI single

I did hear this catch live..

Gail Burton | AP

Mike Carp relishing fatherhood

"We were hoping she'd hold out for Anaheim or some stretch when I was on the West Coast," Carp said. "But she wanted to come and there was no stopping her. I got in about 10 o'clock at night and there was no greater feeling in the world. There she was. She's mine. She's a sweetheart already. She's precious."