Take That, Damn Yankees

Michael Saunders had two base hits, including a home run in the first, as the Mariners beat their former players Freddy Garcia, Alex Rodriguez, Raul Ibanez, and Ichiro Suzuki by a score of 4-2

Yankees (58-38)

Jeter SS

Granderson CF

Rodriguez 3B

Cano 2B

Teixeira 1B

Ibanez LF

Chavez DH

Ichiro RF

Stewart C

Garcia (4-3, 5.37)

Mariners (42-56)

Ackley 2B

Saunders CF

Montero DH

Jaso C

Seager 3B

Wells LF

Carp 1B

Peguero RF

Ryan SS

Hernandez (8-5, 2.82)

Felix went a solid 7.1 innings, giving  up a solo shot to Granderson in the first and then getting out of a bases load jam in the 4th.  After that he pretty much soared until the 8th inning when he hit the leadoff batter, Jeter, who would come around to score after Felix was taken out of the game.

The Mariners are now 12-15 when I attend
Attendance: 31,908
Time of Game:  2:50

Sayonara Ichiro

It was truly a bizarre turn of events today.  I had already sold my personal tickets when, at approximately 3pm, I heard breaking news on the radio that Ichiro was possibly traded.  This is something that I have been dreaming of for around 4 years.  Could it be true!?  Well, turns out it was, as he was shipped to the New York Yankees for a couple of minor league pitchers.  What made it even more weird is that the Yankees were in town for a three game series, so Ichiro would be playing against us!  I rushed home, changed, and headed down to the ballpark to catch a historic game.  I didn't care about the outcome, I was there to celebrate.

We lost 4-1, but who cares!!!!

Rivera Makes History with 600th Save

Mariano Rivera picked up the 600th save of his career as Ichiro was caught stealing second for the final out, trailing 3-2 with Ackley at the plate.  For all the times to steal a base, and that is when he decides to go.  I doubt Wedge sent him, you never want to end a game that way.

Yankees (89-57)

Jeter SS

Swisher RF

Teixeira 1B

Cano 2B

Montero DH

Jones LF

Martin C

Nunez 3B

Gardner CF

Burnett (9-11, 5.27)

Mariners (61-86)

Ichiro RF

Seager 3B

Ackley 2B

Carp LF

Smoak 1B

Olivo C

Kennedy DH

Wells CF

Ryan SS

Furbush (3-8, 4.84)

This was a game of missed opportunities, from the first inning until the last.  We left 9 men on base, Burnett was not stellar but we couldn't pull the trigger and had 17 strikeouts!  The biggest opportunity was probably the 8th inning when we had Ackley and Smoak on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out, but ended up striking out (with a walk  by Kennedy sandwiched in there).  Or, was it still early in the game when in the 3rd inning when we had the bases loaded with 1 out and all Olivo could do was a sacrifice fly to score our final run of the game?

Furbush had only one truly bad inning, giving up a lead off homer to Cano in the second, followed by a walk to Montero and a double to Jones. Montero ended up scoring on a wild pitch to put Yankees up 2-0 after Martin struck out.  Olivo is a terrible catcher and has let way too many "wild pitches" go past him, but I'll give him the benefit of doubt on this one.  It was pretty low and inside.  But, Olivo...  block the damn plate!

In the 9th inning, Mariano Rivera got his 600th save thanks to Ichiro.  He joins only Trevor Hoffman (601) in the 600 saves club, so at least I can say I saw history.  Rivera didn't really accomplish it, I would say put an asterisk by the number and give Ichiro the assist.  WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TWO OUTS and Ackley up to bat, down by ONE RUN!!!  WHY!?  This is one of the reasons I despise Ichiro as a player.

I have to say, it is not as much fun with no A-Roid to root against.   He's "injured".  And, I was shocked at how few fans were there to watch the Yankees.  The Mariners only drew 18k fans!  You used to be able to guarantee a near sellout, at minimum.  Guess they aren't as much of a draw anymore, and that's a good thing.

Burger
Att: 18,306
Mariners fall to 16-20 when I attend.