With a 12-17 record, the Seattle Mariners have had a sordid start, but there are still optimistic hopes that these all-stars will band together and create something magical. While the Mariners lost yesterday's game, 7-2, the M's were still in competition for the most hits with 10, meaning that the spark is alive. We’re just waiting for all the matchsticks to alight! After all, there are 162 games in a season, and there have been signs of majesty.
On Monday, the boys in blue defeated the hot Baltimore Orioles, 6-2, with left-handed starter (and former Oriole), Joe Saunders pitching his first complete game in a year. Last night, we also welcomed back another Saunders, Michael, and he ended up hitting a home run in the Mariners first at-bat for the win. It was good to have his presence back on the field, as he is someone full of energy. With our other center fielder Franklin Gutierrez out, again, with another injury, the “cleated gazelle” was welcomed home on the fresh green grass and at the top of the order. The Los Angeles Angels have Peter Bourjos; we have Saunders!
This brings us to Jason Bay, another stunning outfielder who has proven to go the distance. In last night’s win, he had 3 hits and in the 2-0 win against the Angels on Sunday, he hit a home run. Bay is turning his cold-front New York Mets life around, and reaching for the stars. I think that picking him up was Seattle’s best offseason move.
Michael Morse has hit a home run in 2 of the 3 past games, leading him to a total of 8 on the season. There is a debate in town whether Morse or running back Marshawn Lynch of the Seahawks is the true beast—even Felix can’t decide! One is powerful through the line and the other hits massive enough bombs to make Mariner fans stand back in awe. It is a welcome surprise coming from someone who originally got his start here (at shortstop, mind you), and I’m hoping that he stays a long time!
As far as new pitching news: our up-and-coming starting pitcher Brandon Mauer has seen some time in the limelight and has delivered for us. Last night was a different story as the Orioles came out swinging and took a quick 4-0 lead. The rookie’s ERA is now just over 6; he remained optimistic, saying that he must make better pitches from here on out. Veteran catcher Kelly Shoppach, who has been seeing quite a bit of time behind the plate, had this to add about the young pitcher’s performance: "He didn't execute really anything there in the first and it kind of steamrolled really quick. But he battled back after that, which is a positive for him. Every day he goes out, he's going to get better, whether he throws well or not. Experience in this game is invaluable.”
So, the moral of the story is to keep on pushing, trust your team, and the diverse athletes you’ve picked up, and pray for miracles! Believe, 2013!
Ashley Crane is on Twitter. Follow her at @WildAshC
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