Having won three - yes, three! - games in a row, if the Seattle Mariners take the Angels today it will be more than just a sweep.

It will be the second-longest winning streak of their season.

To the hot bats of Ichiro (.342) and Russell Branyan (.321), add that of Adrian Beltre, who has hit .341 in the past seven games.

It's Garrett Olson vs. Ervin Santana, and Olson is getting the opportunity to show himself as a starting pitcher as the Mariners look down the road into the none-too-distant future.

Ichiro leads off, looking to extend that 23-game hitting streak.

Let's go.

That was quick!

On the first pitch of the game, I`hiro doubled, so the streak lives - 24 games, one behind his own team record.

Yuniesky Betancourt dropped the bunt and, with seven sacrifices, is now tied for the American League lead.

Beltre remained hot, singling Ichiro home with his 21st RBI, and stole his sixth base of the year with two outs.

Santana hit Branyan with a pitch, and Jose Lopez picked up his club-leading 26th RBI with a single.

Mr. Olson will take the mound with a lead.

In the first Mariners 2, Angels 0

Endy power

Endy Chavez worked the count full, then hit his second home run of the season.

It's a reminder that when a apitcher shuts out the opposing team after getting a run or two, it seems easier to add insurance runs.

The Mariners aren't scrambling to catch up, they're now tryintg to play their game and pad that lead.

In the second: Mariners 3, Angels 0

Testing Quiroz

Griffey drew a one-out walk, Branyan doubled him to third and the Angels intentionally walked Lopez to get to catcher Guillermo Quiroz.

It was the high percentage move - but Quiroz singled home two runs with his first hit of the season.

Chavez grounded into a force play, but picked up another RBI when Lopez scored from third.

Three innings in, the Mariners look like the agressors.

In the third: Mariners 6, Angels 0

Mr. Olson is fine, thank you

Olson allowed a solo home run to Mike Napoli on his 57th pitch of the afternoon, but quietly retired the next batter.

That's two hits allowed in five innings, and among his 57 pitches, 42 have been strikes.

If you're wondering how many left-handed starters Seattle can put together at any one time, consider this: Olson, Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Jason Vargas and Ryan Rowland-Smith.

Yes, teams will soon be sniffing around to see which ones are available.

After five: Mariners 6, Angels 1

And more offense

Icihro homered in the sixth inning, his third hit of the day, and Betancourt and Beltre singled behind him.

Griffey Jr. flied out to push Betancourt home.

Santana is gone. This game feels the same way.

In the sixth: Mariners 8, Angels 1

Not so fast

Olson hit the wall in a hurry, and there was no getting him through it. In the sixth, a walk, two quick singles, a sacrifice fly and a home run put four on the board for the Angels and chased Olson.

Miguel Batista to the rescue? He got out of the inning.

After six: Mariners 8, Angels 5

Answering back

Lopez doubled for his third hit of the game, Quiroz dropped a sacrifice bunt and got the runner to third base with one out.

Mariners baseball!

With the infield shifted in, Chavez popped out. Gutierrez grounded out.

Mariners baseball!

In the seventh: Mariners 8, Angels 5

Tightening up

Batista got two outs in the seventh, then gave up a Chone Figgins single, a stolen base and RBI single to Bobby Abreau that cut the lead to two.

Sean White to the rescue? He struck out Guerrero.

After seven: Mariners 8, Angels 6

Almost scoring

Runs came easily early, not at all late.
The Mariners had two runners thrown out at the plate in the eighth inning - Ichiro and Beltre - but didn't get a run home.

In position to blow the game open, they didn't. Now it's up to the bullpen, with not much margin for error.

In the eighth: Mariners 8, Angels 6

Aardsma time

All the runs not scored, the innings the bullpen had to work to get to the ninth - now it's just another save opportunity for David Aardsma.

Who walked the first man he faced, pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis.

Aybar popped out. Figgins walked. Abreu popped up.

Which got the game to Guerrereo. He droped a perfectly placed pop fly double on the right field foul line, scoring one run.

Worse, for Seattle, it put runners at second and third base. Wakamatsu ordered Hunter intentionally walked.

Bases loaded, two outs.

Juan Rivera walked, forcing in the tying run. Kendry Morales singled to win the game.

Final score: Angels 9, Mariners 8

Ichiro just singled to open the game, extending his hitting streak to 23 consecutive games - the second longest of his career.

Now, the question is which Felix Hernandez shows up on the mound. Will it be the man who has won five games and had six marvelous starts this season?

Or will it be the other Felix, the one who's allowed five runs in a game twice - and six runs in a game three times?

With two wins in a row behind them, Seattle needs its ace to be just that tonight.

And it needs to give him three runs or more if it expects him to win.

We're off.

All Ichi, All the time

OK, the streak lives, and Yuniesky Betancourt bunted Ichiro to second base. When Matt Palmero threw a wild pitch, Ichiro took third base - and then Palmer hit Adrian with a pitch.

First and third, one out. Ken Griffey Jr. grounded into a double play. Inning over.

Pitching is king

Felix and Matt Palmer matched zeroes through the first two innings, but Palmer clearly is concerned about Seattle's running game.

Endy Chavez opened the third inning with a single, and Palmer threw to first four times before getting Franklin Gutierrez to fly out.

With Ichiro at the plate, Palmer went to first base three more times, then got a fly ball for the second out.

Up came Betancourt. The Angels tried a pitch out, but Chavez wasn't running. Palmer threw to first again - for the eighth time in the inning - before Yuni grounded out.

In the third: No score.

It takes two!

A one-out inside fastball hit Torii Hunter, and Kendry Morales singled him to third base.

Trouble? Not really. For the second inning in a row, Hernandez got a ground ball - this time from Maicer Izturis - and his infield turned it into an inning-ending double play.

After four: No score.

Duel in the clouds

Palmer hasn't allowed a runner in scoring position since Ichiro in the first inning.

Felix has already used three double plays to keep Los Angeles off the scoreboard.

Now, someone needs to score - and one run just might do it.

After six innings: No score.

Good night, Mr. Hernandez

Erick Aybar's double pushed home the only run of the game, but if Felix loses it will because of the error that preceded that two-base hit.

Izturis hit a sharp grounder at first baseman Branyan, who had it hop off his glove and into right field.

Aboard on that error, Izturis scored when Aybar hit the 107th pitch of the night from Hernandez to the wall in center field.

Mark Lowe finished the inning, and Hernandez cannot win this game. He shouldn't lose it, but that's not up to him.

It's up to a Seattle offense that has four singles all night.

The Mariners are down to one more shot - in the ninth inning.

In the eighth: Angels 1, Mariners 0

That won't help

Brandon Morrow pitching the ninth, gives up a one-out single to Vladimir Guerrero on a pitch a few inches off the ground, then a single up the middle to Torii Hunter.

Gutierrez throws wildly to third base, allowing Hunter to get to second - and the Mariners intentionally walked Kendry Morales.
Izturis grounds to second, one run scoring.

Gary Matthews Jr. singled home a second run, then was caught rounding first base too far.

Now it's the ninth, and Brian Fuentes is trotting in for the save opportunity.

After eight: Angels 3, Mariners 0

One swing = three runs

Down to one out in the ninth, with Beltre and Branyan aboard on singles, Lopez hit his fifth home run of the season.

Tie game.

Coming off former Mariner Fuentes, it's given Seattle a dramatic shot at winning this game - if the Mariners can survive the bottom of the ninth inning.

Now pitching: Miguel Batista.

In the ninth: Mariners 3, Angels 3

And in the 10th

Wladimir Balentien doubled down the third base line and as everyone in the ball park expected, Gutierrez bunted him to third base.

The Angels walked Ichiro intentionally to get to Betancourt with the infield in.

Yuni flied to shallow left field, but Balentien just did slide under the tag at the plate. The Angels appealed - but umpire Paul Emmel insisted Balentien had not left early.

David Aardsma is warmed and ready. Three outs, and the Mariners have won this series and have a chance to sweep tomorrow.

In the 10th: Mariners 4, Angels 3

It's over

Aardsma saves it, Batista wins it and the Mariners (24-26) and one game behind the Angels (24-24) in the AL West.

Final score: Mariners 4, Angels 3

Ichiro starts the night with a 21-game hitting streak, a .343 batting average and 16 runs scored.

Why? The answer is in the lineup behind him.

Adrian Beltre is batting third tonight, Ken Griffey Jr. fourth - and Beltre is hitting .212, Griffey .218. No team in baseball will field a weaker 3-4 punch tonight.

Want more? Jose Lopez (.216) and Rob Johnson (.211) are in the lineup, too, which puts a lot of pressure on the pitching - in this case, lefty Jason Vargas.

It's Vargas vs. John Lackey, and Lackey has to be dying to get started against these Mariners.

And we're off.

Ichiro delivers

One-out third-inning singles from Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez put runners at first and third base for - guess who - Ichiro.

After fouling a bunt attempt that was not a squeeze, Ichiro fell behind Lackey 0-2, then singled into right field for a run and the lead.

Oh yes, and make that a 22-game hitting streak.

Lackey walked Yuniesky Betancourt on four pitches, probably one of the toughest things he's ever done. It's hard to throw four pitches - all in the air - that Yuni won't swing at.

Bases loaded for Beltre, whose excuse-me roller down the third base line wound up an infield RBI single. That brought up Junior, who flied out deep enought to get Ichiro home - Junior's 13th RBI, Ichiro's 17th run scored.

In the third: Mariners 3, Angels 0

That man Rivera

Outfielder Juan Rivera has five home runs this season - four against Seattle. No. 5 came on a pitch Vargas left up in the fifth inning, and it wasn't cheap.

The lefty seemed absolutely unfazed by the mistake, and got the next three batters and has now worked five innings.

In starts against Texas, Boston, San Francisco and now Los Angeles, Vargas has pitched a least five innings in every game and allowed only one earned run in each.

Yes, that's impressive.

After five: Mariners 3, Angels 1

Wak ball

You remember 'Wak ball,' where the Marines find ways to push runs home without the help of, say, two hits in an inning.

Russell Branyan doubled to open the sixth, Jose Lopez bunted him to third and a Chavez fly ball got him home.

The lead is three again, and Vargas made it stand up through six. Miguel Batista is loose in the bullpen and likely coming in to pitch the seventh inning.

Feel secure?

After six: Mariners 4, Angels 1

Goodnight Mr. Vargas, hello bullpen

A walk and two singles chased Vargas after 6 1/3 innings, and Sean White hustled in and put the Angels own on a pop fly and a strikeout with a man on third.

The Mariners tried more 'Wak ball' in the top of the inning, bunting Ichiro over to third after a leadof doulble. What happened?

Beltre struck out. Griffey flied out.

Seattle could sure use that run.

After seven: Mariners 4, Angels 2

And in the end

Great relief pitching by Sean White and Mark Lowe to get the game to the ninth. There, David Aardsma got the first two outs, gave up a single and a walk, and struck out Mike Napoli to end it.

That's a win for Vargas, a save for Aardsma and - lookie there - the Mariners are two back of the Angels in the American League West.

Final score: Mariners 5, Angels 2

It sprinkled in Southern California today, and hundreds of locals ran screaming into the sea like lemmings - convinced the sun had disappeared forever.

That's the depth of life here, where cloudy weather is thought to be the beginning of the end of the world.

The Mariners, of course, took the drops like men and went through with early batting practice. None melted. No one was washed away.

That won't be the case by, oh, say Aug. 1.

If you recognize the infield, it'll be a surprise. Adrian Beltre, Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt could all be traded away and, should enough be offered for Russell Branyan - who's on a one-year deal - it could be a clean sweep.

Need an Endy Chavez? Make me an offer. Want a lefty starting pitcher? Seattle has two available, Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn.

We'll throw in Miguel Batista for free.

Got a deal in mind? Let's hear it. Heard a good rumor - or want to start one? - post it here.

Anything you write will be deeper than most anything they'll come up with in SoCal today. Wet sun worshipers are staggering around, looking skyward and weeping.

Much of the discussion amongst Mariners fans and the media has started to turn to possible trades of several people. Columnist John McGrath discussed this in today's column in the News Tribune, saying the Mariners need to clean house. Larry also had a story which discusses similar ideas. And not to be left out, I also did my weekly segment with KJR's Ian Furness where we also discuss that similar idea.

One thing I think I failed to mention when talking about Yuni Betancourt, and his trade value. Yes, the Mariners have to play him as not devalue him, but at the same time playing him, also on some level allows Betancourt to believe that his way of playing the game is acceptable.

If you are Don Wakamatsu what do you do? You bench Yuni for lack of focus in the field and at the plate, but then any hopes of trading him and getting anything back for him, go down. But if you play him, you have to watch him hack at pitches out of the zone and boot routine balls in the field. And allow Yuni to think that there are no repercussions for playing that way.

By the way, here's a column on Wak from the Contra Costa Times.

So are the Mariners all set to trade and cash in the season. GM Jack Zduriencik told Fox Sports Jon Paul Morosi that he is "not in a hurry to do anything."

As for teams looking for trade help, the Philadelphia Phillies seemed like a logical suitor for Erik Bedard. But now with Brett Myers' hip injury and possible need for surgery, that need grows more.

But this is important to remember and I think something that people tend to forget - the Mariners aren't the only teams looking to dump players - particularly 2010 free agents - to pick up prospects to rebuild. The Cleveland Indians, Oakland A's, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, the Arizona Diamondbacks and others will be looking to move some players. So it's not like Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, Adrian Beltre or even Russell Branyan are the only players that contenders have to choose from.

Take the Phillies: Yes, they need pitching, and yes, Bedard would help them. But so would Jake Peavy, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb and Roy Oswalt, who could also be acquired instead. And because they need to probably pick up two pitchers, they may go for lower echelon starters like Brad Penny, Doug Davis, Chris Young or Washburn so they don't have to give up so much in return and hope that the offense - led by Raul Ibanez - can continue to put up runs.

From all reports, Zduriencik is being relatively vigilant about making sure he gets some legitimate talent in return for Bedard, which is logical. At some point, a team like the Phillies only has so much it can or is willing to give.

Obviously Bedard won't garner as much as he got from the Mariners, including Adam Jones, who is yet the subject of another feature - this one from his hometown paper the San Diego Union Tribune.

And don't think that Adrian Beltre is he only third baseman available right now for someone like the Cardinals. Cleveland's Mark DeRosa is out there, and while he isn't nearly the defensive presence Beltre is at third base. Right now, DeRosa is a much better hitter, who can also play multiple positions if needed. Even Cubs GM Jim Hendry is still trying to explain dealing DeRosa in the offseason.

I have no doubt that Zduriencik will make some moves. And I don't think any player besides Ichiro and Felix are above being dealt at this point. But people also need to be realistic in their demands of him and remember the Mariners aren't the only ones looking to trade.

Ryan Rowland-Smith was solid tonight in his second rehab start with the Tacoma Rainiers. He pitched five shut-out innings allowing three hits, striking out three and walking one. He threw 81 pitches with 54 of them strikes.

From Grant Clark's story in the News Tribune.

“Everything pretty much went the way I wanted it to go out there tonight,” said Rowland-Smith, who was placed on the disabled list by the Seattle Mariners on April 15 because of tendinitis in his left triceps. “My pitch count got a little high with (Michael) Garciaparra (in the third) and (Brendan) Katin (in the second), but besides that, I can’t complain.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Michael Garciaparra? The Michael Garciaparra? As in the Michael Garciaparra the Mariners selected in the first round of the 2001 draft with the 36th pick? Yes, it is the same Michael Garciaparra that was selected two picks ahead of David Wright. I seriously didn't know he was still playing ... but good for him.

Greetings from Montana, here's the daily minor league report, I've missed a few days, I'll try not to let it happen.

Yesterday’s Results Standings Winner/Loser/Save
at Tacoma 10, Nashville 7 --- 25-20, 3rd, -3.0 --- W-E. Hull (5-2); S-R. Messenger (7)
West Tenn --- (Rained Out) --- 17-26, 5th, -5.5 - - -
High Desert (Off Day) --- 31-14, 1st, +6.0 - - -
Clinton 9, at Peoria 3 --- 24-21, T3rd, -4.0 --- W-C. Hann (2-0)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
BOX SCORE
Here' Grant Clark's game story from the TNT.
Curto was also on with KJR's Ian Furness talking Rainiers the other day, you can listen to it here.

Pitching Lines:
RH Andy Baldwin 6.0,9,6,5,0,6,HR
RH Eric Hull (W, 5-2) 1.0,1,0,0,0,2
LH Tyler Johnson (H, 1) 1.0,3,1,1,0,0
RH Randy Messenger (S, 7) 1.0,1,0,0,2,0
With the Bats:
RF Prentice Redman 3x5, 2 R, RBI
CF Michael Saunders 2x5, 2 R
DH Jeff Clement 2x3, 3 R, 3 RBI, BB
3B Chris Shelton 2x4, 2B, RBI, BB
Rainiers Notes: DH Jeff Clement went 2-for-3 with a double, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI leading Tacoma to a 10-7 win over Nashville Tuesday night at Cheney Stadium. RF Prentice Redman had a pair of doubles and scored twice for the Rainiers and RHP Eric Hull picked up his 5th win of the season with a scoreless 7th inning. Clement extended his hitting streak to 14 games (.459/28x61) and is batting .360 (31x86) with 17 runs, 11 doubles, 3 home runs and 21 RBI in 21 games this month. CF Michael Saunders went 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored to extend his hitting streak to 9 games (.425/17x40). Saunders has scored at least one run in 16 consecutive games (21 runs over that streak) and one or more runs in 19 of 21 games this season. Overall, Saunders is batting .361 (30x83) with 26 runs, 6 doubles, 5 home runs and 12 RBI in 21 games. Redman has recorded a hit in 23 consecutive games at Cheney Stadium 9dating back to ’08). 3B Chris Shelton is batting .408 (20x49) with 6 doubles, 4 home runs, 12 runs and 15 RBI over his last 11 games. The Rainiers have won 5 of their last 6 games, and 8 of last 10 at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma leads the PCL in doubles (102) and ranks 3rd in hits (448) and home runs (53).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Gaby Hernandez (3-3 4.89) vs. Nashville

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
Jaxx Notes: Game one of the five game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts was postponed last night due to rain. A doubleheader has been scheduled for today, with the first game beginning at 12:05. The doubleheader will consist of two, seven inning games. The Diamond Jaxx are 17-26 on the year and currently in 5th place in the Southern League's North Division. The pitching matchup in G#1 will be RHP Steve Bray (0-3, 4.87) for the Diamond Jaxx and RHP John Lindblom (2-2, 4.01) for the Lookouts. In G#2, RHP Kyle Parker (1-2, 3.74) will go for West Tenn and RHP Jesus Castillo (1-4, 4.96) takes the mound for Chattanooga. OF Greg Halman is tied for the Southern League lead with 13 home runs and T2nd with 33 RBI. OF Ezequiel Carrera ranks 5th in the league batting .351 (47x134), but was placed on the 7-day disabled list with a right ankle sprain (5/24).
Today’s probable starters:
G#1 - RH Steve Bray (0-3, 4.87) vs. Chattanooga
G#2 - RH Kyle Parker (1-2, 3.74) vs. Chattanooga

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks took a break from their 8-game winning streak after playing 14 consecutive days (10-4 during that stretch). High Desert returns to action today with a 5-game series against 2nd-place Lake Elsinore at Mavericks Stadium. 3B Alex Liddi continues to lead the California League in hitting (.367/65x177), hits (65), RBI (44) and ranks T2nd in home runs (11) and 2nd in slugging (.672). Liddi, Joe Dunigan (2nd/.359), Juan Diaz (4th/.353) and Travis Scott (10th/.321) dominate the California League batting race. CF Tyson Gillies ranks 3rd in the Cal League with a .434 on-base percentage and has reached base safely (H-BBHBP) in 38 of 39 games. RH Phillippe Aumont ranks 3rd in the league with 7 saves and is T2nd with 21 appearances.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Steven Hensley (0-0, 7.20) vs. Lake Elsinore

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Bobby LaFromboise 4.0,5,2,2,1,5,HR
RH Cheyne Hann (W, 2-0) 1.2,2,1,1,1,3
RH Stephen Penny 1.2,0,0,0,0,1
LH Greg Moviel 1.2,0,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
RF Denny Almonte 1x4, R, 2 RBI, BB
DH Kris Sanchez 2x3, 3 R, 2 BB
LF Steve Moss 3x5, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI
3B Nate Tenbrink 1x2, 2B, 3 RBI
Lumberkings Notes: Following 1 hour, 35 minutes worth of rain delays, the Clinton LumberKings unleashed a 9-run, 15-hit attack in a 9-3 win over the Peoria Chiefs. Clinton has won 4 of its last 5 games to improve to 24-21 overall. Clinton starter LH Bobby LaFromboise allowed 5 hits and 2 runs in 4.0 innings. He walked one while striking out 5. LF Steve Moss went 3-for-5 2 doubles and 2 RBI. 3B Nate Tenbrink went 1-for-2 with a double, sacrifice fly and 3 RBI. In 7 games with the LumberKings, Moss is batting .370 (10x27) with 6 runs, 3 doubles, one home run and 8 RBI. Today’s starter, RH Kenn Kasparek, has recorded 6 consecutive starts allowing 2-or-fewer earned runs. Over the 6-start stretch he is 2-2 with a 1.45 ERA (5 ER, 31.0 IP)
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kenn Kasparek (2-4, 3.38) at

Mike Sweeney is unavailable today but won't go on the disabled list - at least not immediately.

Jose Lopez is available, but not starting. With a break today and tomorrow's scheduled off-day, that will give him two days off the field to rest tired legs.

Which brings us to the game - Erik Bedard vs. Trevor Cahill - and the Mariners need to win to avoid a sweep before flying to Anaheim.

Ichiro is leading off and has a 20-game hitting streak, wich is the eighth longest in franchise history. As intriguing, it's the seventh streak Ichiro has had of 20 games or longer, and that's historic.

Only three men in baseball history - Willie Keeler, Ty Cobb and Pete Rose - have had more streaks of 20 or more games.

Looking for a wild card hero? Franklin Gutierrez is battin .295 this month with 10 RBI and 10 walks.

The Mariners need more than heroics. What they need is an offense. And they've only got until 12:37 p.m. to find one.

Game time approaches.

The streak lives

Seven pitches in, Ichiro has a 21-game hitting strea, doubling off the chalk down the left field line. As Yuniesky Betancourt squared to bunt - then stepped back - Ichiro stole third.

Betancourt popped out.

With the Oakland infield brought in - yes, in the first inning! - Adrian Beltre grounded to third base. Ichiro was forced to hold. With two outs, Ken Griffey Jr. struck out on a changeup.

Clearly, Icihro should have stolen home.

Mariners break through

Russell Branyan singled to start the second inning and, one out later, Rob Johnson doubled him to third base.

Endy Chavez grounded out, pushing one run home. Gutierrez was called out for running inside the baseline, negating a second run.

Clearly, Johnson should have stolen home.

In the second: Mariners 1, Athletics 0

One swing, tie game

After leaving runners at third base twice in the first two innings, the Mariners paid a price.

Bobby Crosby's one-out solo home run, his first of the year, came on a high fastball and tied the game.

After two: Mariners 1, Athletics 1

Squandering chances

Johnson walked and, one out later, Gutierrez doubled him to third base.

Ichiro, the Mariners hottest hitter, came up with the infield in - and does the one thing he can' do, tap a ball directly to an infielder, forcing Johnson to hold.

Up came Betancourt, the least patient of all Mariners hitters. On a 1-1 pitch, he broke his bad on an inside pitch and grounded out.

Clearly, Johnson should have stolen home again. That's three men stranded at third in five innings.

In the fifth: Mariners 1, Athletics 1
One swing, two runs

OK, forget this silliness about stealing home - just get Branyan up there more often.

Griffey was safe on a one-out error, and on a 2-2 pitch Branyan hit his 11th home run into the right field pavillion - and made it look so easy.

Now, is three runs enough for Bedard and the bullpen?

In the sixth: Mariners 3, Athletics 1
Adding on

Chavez tripled off the wall in right field to open the seventh, and the Athletics brought their infield in yet again.

Gutierrez grounded out to third. Ichiro was intentionally walked to get to Yuni-the-Impatient.

Betancourt worked the count to 3-1, then flied deep enough to left to chase Chavez home with Seattle's fourth run.

Bedard, with 95 pitches, will probably start the bottom of the seventh.

In the seventh: Mariners 4, Athletics 1

Good Lord, another rally!

Sean White handed over 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief, and the Mariners are in the ninth inning with a lead.

Closer David Aardsma was warming up, and Seattle sent the bottom of its batting order to the plate.

Johnson doubled, his second of the game, by going for two and beating the throw from a surprised Raji Davis.

Chavez then laid down a perfect bunt, moving Johnson to third with no one out. Gutierrez douled both runners home.

Ichiro blooped a soft single over the shortstsop, with Gutierrez holding at third base. Betancourt struck out.

Beltre flied out into a double play, with Gutierrez thrown out at the plate.

Still, Aardsma came in with a five-run lead and went 1-2-3.

It's a final: Mariners 6, Athletics 1

Jarrod Washburn is warming up, getting ready to test an ailing left knee against an Oakland team that he has a 8-15 lifetime record against.

Seattle will try to give him, like, runs tonight, so the team has scrambled its lineup once more.

One of the keys could be DH Mike Sweeney, batting cleanup. Although his season numbers - .232, 2 home runs, 9 RBI - aren't good, Sweeney is batting .524 against the Athletics in 2009.

Some of that may be familiarity: Sweeney spent last season with Oakland. But in his long career, Sweeney's had 334 at-bats against Oakland, and batted .299 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI.

The Mariners, of course, are in a scoring funk. In their last 21 games, the team is batting .148 with runners in scoring position.

Tonight, Washburn's success rate must change and his team must score for him.

Not too much to ask ...

Seattle, we have a lead!

Mike Sweeney's one-out, opposite field double scored Yunieskey Betancourt.

Russell Branyan singled Adrian Beltre home, but Sweeney - no, he's no longer a great baserunner - fell between third and home and had to reteat to third.

With the chance for a big inning, Jose Lopez grounded into a double play.

Still, a lead is a lead.

In the first, Mariners 2, Athletics 0

Making Washburn work

The lefty got out of the first inning with the bases loaded, but Washburn needed 28 pitches to get the fist three outs.

Oakland hitters are showing patience, and Washburn isn't getting quick outs. Nor is he showing great command.

What he's doing is hanging in there with what he does have, and after two innings that's a 2-0 lead. It's only taken 45 pitches to get six outs.

And here's Junior

Sweeney has left the game with back spasms - the third time this year that ailment has put him on the bench - and Ken Griffey Jr. is now the DH.

He came to bat with Beltre at second base and two outs, and grounded weakly to second.

In the third: Mariners 2, Athletics 0

Let the zeroes roll

Washburn has settled in and is pitching an effective if not quite dominant game through five innings.

The fifth inning was his first 1-2-3 inning, but Washburn has kept the Athletics off the board. He's probably got another inning in him, as his pitch count creeps toward 100.

The Mariners are going to be tentative with his knee - and their record with a lead after six innings (14-4) gives them hope.

After five: Mariners 2, Athletic 0

Adding on

Rob Johnson led off the seventh with a ground ball double down the third base line, and manager Don Wakamatsu wasted no time asking Franklin Gutierrez to lay a bunt down.

One out, man on third base? Ichiro lined an RBI single to left - extending his hitting streak to 20 consecutive games.

Looks like Miguel Batista will pitch the seventh.

He'll do so with a 3-0 lead.

Oops as in Batista

The veteran righty got one out, gave up a single and then inexplicably walked the ninth-place hitter in the Oakland lineup.

That pushed Rajai Davis into scoring position, and Orlando Cabrera singled him home - making Mark Lowe scramble to get loose in the bullpen.

Batista then loaded the bases by walking Kurt Suzuki to get to the heart of the batting order. Goodnight, Miguel. Hello, Mr. Lowe.

Lowe got one out, then walked in a run. Jason Giambi singled up the middle for two more, and the Athletics had the lead, 4-3.

Bad inning for the bullpen.

After seven: Athletics 4, Mariners 3

That's going to leave a mark

Not all losses are equal, and this one hurt more than most, because Seattle got a lead to their bullpen - one of the strengths of the team.

No matter. Oakland is now in position to sweep Seattle - and catch the Mariners in the standings tomorrow.

The final: Athletics 4, Mariners 3

Reaching down to their Class AA affiliate, the Mariners have brought up catcher Guillermo Quiroz to replace the injured Kenji Johjima, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

To make room for Quiroz on the 40-man roster, the team placed left-hander Cesar Jimenez on the 60-day disabled list.

A 28-year-old veteran, Quiroz has been with Seattle before - in 2006 - and has bounced around baseball for years.

Why Quiroz and not one of the better known catchers in Tacoma?

The team doesn't think Adam Moore has quite enough experience, that Jeff Clement's touchy knee remains an issue and that veteran Jamie Burke doesn't fit in the club's move toward younger players.

Known as a solid defensive player, Quiroz was released this year by Baltimore and signed by Seattle in April, then assigned to West Tennessee. He has a career average of .201.

Kenj Johjima has a broken big left toe, will be placed on the disabled list and miss at least the next two weeks.

The Seattle catcher was injured on a broken play in the first inning, when Adam Kennedy slid into him as Johjima tried to block an errant throw from Jose Lopez.

Who's coming up?

Manager Don Wakamatsu said it won't be Jeff Clement, who has not been catching in Tacoma, which seems to limit the choices to veteran Jamie Burke or rookie Adam Moore.

That decision will be made Tuesday.

Ichiro Suzuki does things mere mortals cannot, like leading the majors with 18 infield hits this season - despite starting the year on the disabled list.

At the moment, he's got an 18-game hitting streak working, one game short of the American League's longest of 2009 (Jacoby Ellsbury, 19 games).

He'll try to stretch that streak against Oakland starter Brett Anderson, a left-hander he's never faced.

If you're watching on television, don't adjust your color - players from both teams in this game and all teams today are wearing red caps in honor of Memorial Day.

It's Chris Jakubauskas vs. Anderson, and the Mariners are 5-1 against the Athletics this season.

And we're off.

The Streak lives

Make that 19 infield singles this season and, yes, a 19-game hitting streak for Ichiro.

Bunted to second base by Yuniesky Betancourt, Ichiro watched Adrian Beltre strike out, Ken Griffey Jr. walk and Mike Sweeney pop out.

That's Mariners baseball right now.

Mariners defense fails

After Adam Kennedy - yes, Adam Kennedy - walked and stole second base, then third base, Jason Giambi grounded to a drawn in second baseman Jose Lopez.

Lopez throw to the plate short-hopped Kenji Johjima, whose attempt to block the ball or the runner was less than enthusiastic.

Error, Lopez. Advantage, Oakland.

After one: Athletics 1, Mariners 0

Catch this!
Ok, so Joh doesn't like balls in the dirt. Who does? What he does like is fastballs in his wheelhouse.

Johjima got one in the second innning, and the game is tied - his third home run into the left field seats got Seattle even.

In the second: Mariners 1, Athletics 1

Walks and hits kill

Jakubauskas walked Travis Buck with one out, then gave up three consecutive hits - including doubles to No. 9 hitter Jack Hannahan and Adam Kennedy.

Yes, Adam Kennedy.

After two: Athletics 4, Mariners 1

Kenji's out

Johjima is out with a bruised big left toe, injured in the slide at the plate on Oakland's first run.
Now catching: Rob Johnson.

And now hitting: Travis Buck, who hit his second home run.

Now pitching: Denny Stark, in to bail Jakubauskas out of another jam.

In the fourth: Athletics 5, Mariners 1

It's not the distance ...

Go figure. Beltre hit a ball in the fifth innin that right fielder Buck pulled off the wall at the 388-foot sign in right center field for an out.

Ichiro? He's 3-for-3 and hasn't hit a ball past the infield today.

He hasn't scored a run becaus4e the four hitters behind him are a combined 0-for-10 so far.

In the fifth: Athletics 5, Mariners 1

Can the bullpen bat?

As it has most of the year, the Mariners bullpen is doing its job - 1 2/3 scoreless innings from Denny Stark, and now Brandon Morrow is pitching.

Problem is, as it has been most of the year, the Seattle offense isn't producing.

Five hits, a couple of walks, a stolen base - and only one run.

That's not nearly enough. Again.

A word on Mr. Morrow

As the Mariners try to work Morrow back into mid-season shape, he just worked a 30-pitch inning.

That's not what they had in mind.

Morrow wasn't helped by an error, but he walked one man, struck out two and let a run score on a wild pitch.

Velocity? Morrow hit 97 mph several times, occasionally for strikes. Command is the issue, and in the sixth, he took a step backward.

After six: Athletics 6, Mariners 1

Talking does no good

Franklin Gutierrez singled, as did Ichiro - hit No. 4 today - and the Athletics huddled on the mound when the count to Betancourt went to 2-0.

Third base coach Bruce Hines trotted down to talk to his shortstop, and Betancourt got back in the batters box and grounded into a double play.

No, this offense isn't hopeless. In only seems to be.

Hush now, it's over
Ichiro had four hits, the rest of the Mariners four more.

Final score: Athletics 6, Mariners 1

You'd think talking to a handful of major league players - hitters, pitchers, even coaches - would provide the answer to most any baseball question.

Think again.

The question: Which pitch is the toughest to hit?

"The slightly above the belt changeup," Jarrod Washburn said.

"The backdoor slider," hitting coach Alan Cockrell.

"Fastball down and away," Mark Lowe said.

And then, there was the opinion of Ken Griffey Jr. - backed up by Jose Lopez, Adrian Beltre and, sort of, by Mike Sweeney.

"The pitch right down the middle," Junior insisted. "It freezes you, because it looks so good and you never see it, so you're never looking for it."

Griffey's theory was that good hitters may look for a pitch, but not that one. And he used Lopez as an example.

"That 0-2 pitch the other night that froze you, where was it?" Griffey asked.

"I was looking fastball in," Lopez said. "And it was right down the middle."
Beltre nodded.

"It's a pitch you never expect and you can't sit on," Beltre said.

Not surprisingly, pitchers disagreed. What's happened to pitches Brandon Morrow has thrown down the middle?

"I never get away with those," he said, laughing.

"They don't come back," Washburn said.
Morrow did, however, have a story about the theory.

"John Wetteland was telling us about pitching to Tony Gwynn," he said, "and he said the best pitch to throw him was the one down the middle."

Why?

"John said Tony knew what to do with the pitch away - he'd take it to left field. And he knew what to do with the pitch in. He'd pull that. He said Tony couldn't always decide what to do with the pitch down the middle, so that was your best shot."

This one may be a little brief as I am embarking for a drive back to Montana for a week to see my family and most importantly my dog, who moves back during baseball season. I'll still do some posting during the week, while Lash is on the road trip.

Overall, a great win today for the M's, they got a great start from Felix, some power from the middle of the order and lots of applause at the end.

“Obviously, it’s a nice win, especially with the crowd we had out there today,” Wakamatsu said. “I don't think people understand how much it means to us as a team to give back when they show up and support us like that.”

For me the big thing was seeing Beltre hit the home run, yes it's just his second of the season, but he does seem to coming out of his slump some.

Admittedly, Beltre had been absolutely scuffling at the plate for most of the season. He came into Sunday’s game hitting a meager .214. Even worse, his slugging percentage was .306 and he’d only hit one home run this season.

“It’s tough because you know our team needs some offense,” Beltre said. “When you are struggling, you want to be the guy, you want to help, at that moment sometimes you put too much pressure on yourself and that works against you. It’s tough to tell yourself to relax and make good contact.”

But he made good contact on the Zito slider.

“Safeco is tough but I knew I hit it good,” he said. “I thought I hit it far enough for it to go.”

Said Felix Hernandez: “For him it was great, for the team it was great, and for me it was outstanding."

As for Hernandez he was solid today, and Wakamatsu was quite pleased.

“We talked earlier today about Felix stepping up,” Wakamatsu said. “I thought he stepped up today and did a phenomenal job. Not just stuff-wise, but more importantly, because of the shape of our bullpen. We obviously needed the eight innings, and he gave some guys some rest. That's what we're talking about, being a team player.”

GIANTS NOTES:
• Barry Zito lost to the Mariners for the first time in last 12 starts (last: 07/23/03 w/ OAK)…previously 6-0 with 3.04 ERA (24 ER, 71.0 IP) in his last 11 starts vs. Seattle…Despite allowing 5 ER vs. Seattle, since starting the season 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA, Zito has gone on to allow just 15 ER in 47.0 IP for an ERA of 2.87 over that span… dropping his overall ERA to 4.02 (25 ER, 56.0 IP).
• Fred Lewis homered for the second consecutive day (3 overall).
• Aaron Rowand has hit safely in 12 of his last 15 games at .368 (21x57) with 10 runs scored, 4 2B’s, 3 HR’s and 7 RBI…raising his season avg. 63 points from .214 to .277…has homered in 3 of his last 7 games.
• Prior to today’s game, the Giants purchased the contract of C Eli Whiteside and optioned LHP Pat Misch to AAA Fresno…in his first MLB appearance since Sept. 30, 2005 (with BAL) and just the 4th start of his career, Whiteside went 1x3 with an RBI and a run.

MARINERS NOTES:
• Felix Hernandez snapped a personal 3-game losing streak to record his 5th win of the year…struck out a season-high 10 batters…has recorded 66 strikeouts through his first 10 starts (3rd in AL)…his 4th 10-strikeout game of his career (last: 04/27/08 vs. OAK).
• The Mariners won their 10th game against a left-handed starter this season… Seattle is 10-4 (.714) against LHP, best in AL for winning percentage against lefty starters…compares to 11-20 vs. RH starters.
• Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 5th HR of the season…his 3rd off left-handed pitching despite only 5 starts against lefties this season… was his first career HR against Barry Zito, the 397th pitcher to allow a HR to Griffey.
• Griffey’s 1st inning, 2 run HR snapped a Mariners streak of 31 consecutive singles.
• Over the last 4 games, Seattle starters have combined to go 2-1 with a 1.13 ERA (4 ER, 32.0 IP) with 24 strikeouts, allowing 1 earned run or less in 4 of the 5.
• Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak to 18 games; going 2x4…streak is currently the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors (Ellsbury, 18)…Ichiro is batting .350 (28x80) with 3 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI during the streak.
• Ichiro Suzuki recorded 18th infield hit in 7th inning, including 10 in his last 16 games…18 infield hits lead the Majors.
• Despite going hitless on the day, Russell Branyan finished the home stand with an avg. of .406 (13x32) for the home stand with 2 HR, 4 doubles, and 3 RBI…has at least one hit in 13 of last 15 games at Safeco Field and 16 of 19 home games this season (.332, 22x65).
• Yuniesky Betancourt, batting 2nd in the lineup, tied a career-high by drawing walks in first 2 at-bats, 6th time in career (last: 05/15/09 vs. BOS)...after drawing his first walk of the season on May 4th in his 97th plate appearance, Betancourt has since drawn 7 walks in his last 56 plate appearances.
• Today’s time of game, 2 hr 15 minutes was the shortest time for a home game this season.

Good to see my post about last night's game is stirring up some commenting and debates. Snydro, you are right, I don't pay for tickets, but I have on numerous occasions for baseball and other sporting events. I will admit that my job has kind of left me a little laid back when it comes to cheering or booing. I just enjoy being there watching a game. Whether I was born here or not, means little. I have my team's that I care for deeply and I really have never had the urge to boo the players. I've booed some umps in my day though.

But I respect people's passion nonetheless. And Snydro is certainly not without his passion or opinions - let's still try to keep them relatively civil on some level. The powers that be (way above my head) are very sensitive to that.

Top of 1st
Felix looks pretty sharp. He gave up a single to former Mariner Randy Winn, but other than that no issues.

Bottom of 1st
Yuni with a walk!!! I'm calling it, he's getting three this game. And Junior scores him with a home run to right on the first pitch he sees - it is fifth homer of the season and snapped a streak of 31 straight singles for the Mariners.

2nd inning
Meh, Mariners get a double from Lopez and Zito balks him to third and he's stranded there.

Top of 3rd
Aaron Rowand looks relatively confused against Felix.

Bottom of 3rd
Yuni walks again. I bet Mariners media guru Jeff Evans that Yuni would walk three times today and I'm 2/3 of the way there.

Top of the 5th
Well that wasn't much fun. Felix gets into a bit of a jam thanks to an error by Branyan and a walk, but he looks like he's going to get out of it getting two straight outs, only catcher Eli Whiteside singles to keep things going. Whiteside woke up this morning in Iowa. Yes, Iowa. He was called up today, woke up in Iowa, flew to Seattle and got a police escort to the game. He was needed after Pablo Sandoval hurt his arm last night.

From there, the Giants added two more runs as Felix got really fastball heavy and the Giants got a few singles.

Bottom of the 5th
Not to pat myself on the back, but after the Mariners got the first two runners on and Yuni sac bunted them into scoring position, as Beltre walked to the plated. I looked at John McGrath and Jeff Evans and said, "Yard" as in Beltre was going yard. And he did. It was his first homer since May 9th.

The Mariners have a 5-3 lead.

Top of 6th
Felix seemed rejuvenated by the Beltre homer and looks much better on the mound. He rolled through the sixth.

Top of 7th
Felix allows a few hits, but gets out of the inning. He's at 95 pitches, but nobody is up in the bullpen for the Ms. Dave8557 has to be happy about that.

Think about this for a moment, when Barry Zito was a free agent back in 2006, then-general manager Bill Bavasi tried to sign him and was willing to give him a $100 million contract. Instead, Zito signed a 7-year, $126 million contract with the Giants. Since then he's 22-34 for the Giants with a 4.69 ERA, and that's pitching in the National League! Then again Bavasi also courted Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt and Carl Pavano and the signed Carlos Silva. Wow. And this guy has been employed in baseball his whole life. Nepotism goes a long way.

A few things with the line-up (see below), Betancourt has been moved up to the No. 2 spot, while Ken Griffey Jr. is in there against a lefty in the Giants' Barry Zito.

"It's really with us facing two lefties in Oakland and I don't want him to sit too long," Wakamatsu said of Griffey. "And Zito tends to struggle against lefties as of late. I'll still use Sweeney against the other lefties."

For his career, lefties are hitting .246 and slugging .377 against Zito. And this season (small sample size), lefties are hitting .268.

But one thing Zito will do is walk hitters. He has 19 walks in 49 innings pitched this season.

Maybe Yuni will get a couple walks this game. Or maybe not.

"We've tried everything, we're still trying to find that mix," Wakamatsu said. "With Yuni, he's gotten the message over the last couple days. His last game he had poor pitch selection. It's similar to Beltre, moving him up got him a little more patient approach. We've always said that this guy can hit, hand-eye coordination, and he should believe he can hit with two strikes."

"We're kind of floating around that No. 2 hole of who is that guy and we really haven't found that guy yet."

As for Mariner hitters against Zito, Ichiro is hitting .316 (24-for-76) with three homers and five RBIs. Lopez is hitting .353 (6-for-17).

As for the bullpen, Mark Lowe is unavailable today for certain and most likely Miguel Batista. Sean White and Brandon Morrow will be the set up men with Aardsma closing. But Wakamatsu is still concerned about the bullpen's workload.

"The off day on Thursday couldn't come soon enough for the bullpen," Wakamatsu said. "You look at some of the numbers and it's four out of five, six out of seven, Lowe was six out of nine."

The conversation also went to Felix Hernandez and the difference in him from April to May.

"For us it's always going to come down to what's done prior to the game, they say the battle is won before it's ever started," Wakamatsu said. "The other day when I called him out it wasn't so much about his pitching but the finer things in the game."

Like controlling the running game.

Wakamatsu pointed out that part of the controlling the running makes Felix's delivery quicker and more efficient to the plate.

"With Felix he has to maintain that," Wakamatsu said. "Just like our hitters when they get emotional, they try to get bigger. He's trying find more power in his delivery. He was more efficient early and paid attention to the smaller things. That's what he had a discussion about yesterday. This guy's got a lot of talent but it has to be refined a little bit to get the consistency we are looking for."

To Wakamatsu, consistency and doing the little things is what separates an ace from other pitchers.

"It's not just about going out and wanting to win," Wakamatsu said. "It's about understanding his craft better as he goes forward."

Mariners
Ichiro CF
Yuni Betancourt SS
Adrian Beltre 3B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Russell Branyan DH
Jose Lopez 2B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Rob Johnson C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
-----
Felix Hernandez P

Giants
Aaron Rowand CF
Edgar Renteria SS
Randy Winn RF
Bengie Molina DH
Fred Lewis LF
Travis Ishikawa 1B
Juan Uribe 3B
Emmanuel Burris 2B
Eli Whiteside C
--------
Barry Zito (1-4, 3.62 ERA)

BOX SCORE

Look I'll never tell a fan his business. Tickets are not cheap, beers are not cheap, hot dogs are not cheap at Mariners games and most times I'm there getting paid to be there, but I thought it was pretty classless for the Safeco Fans to boo Mark Lowe tonight.

The fans retort is always, "if I pay for the ticket, I have a right to boo." And I guess on some level it is true. And these guys are professional athletes that are paid to play.

But booing Lowe to me seemed a mark of being uninformed, or else just the outpouring of frustration of watching the Mariners scuffle as a whole. Really, Lowe has been pretty damn good the last week and a half.

In his last five appearances, he hadn't allowed a run and he allowed only one run in his last 10 appearances. He's been not only successful, but almost overworked because of the Mariners shabby offense.

Manager Don Wakamatsu made it a point to praise Lowe right away in his post game comments, saying "the first thing I want to mention is Mark Lowe. This guy has been absolutely outstanding for us. He's thrown six out of the last nine days and our bullpen is a little tired. I think that was a little evident. He's been there over the last week or so, and he's really developing into a pitcher that's going to be around this organization a long time and be a big help."

That was kind of an odd thing to start with, so eventually I asked Wak if he thought the treatment of Lowe by the fans when he walked off the field was unfair.

"Absolutely," he said. "This guy has just gotten better and better. To have to keep going to our bullpen without taking any pressure off offensively."

He wasn't alone in his thinking. The guy who's decision Lowe blew, starter Garrett Olson, also was surprised.

“It’s definitely not fair,” Olson said. “It’s amazing how soon people can forget what he’s done. But Mark is the guy you want out there in that situation.”

Lowe to his credit didn't seem hurt by it, saying, "that's the game of baseball."

Perhaps, but the game of baseball is scoring runs and the Mariners just aren't doing that any more. Maybe that's part of the displeasure is knowing that right Seattle just doesn't have the offense to rally from a one or two-run deficit, let along a four-run one.

Seattle's last 31 hits have all been singles. They have not recorded an extra base hit since May 20th. Anemic is a word that comes to mind.

Still Lowe stood in front of the media and wore the loss, offering no excuses for his workload, the high leverage situations or anything else.

"I got two quick outs, but it was just one of those days where they capitalized on some mistakes," he said. "I didn't feel bad, I felt normal. It takes it toll, but at the same time that's what we're here to do and that's what our job is."

"That's why we play. We're going to be in those one-run two-run games as bullpen guys," he said. "You live for those moments, we do it eight or nine out of 10 times we are considered successful."

As for the outing, he's trying to live by the reliever mantra of maintaining a short memory.

“I’ve got a 20 minute drive home to think about it, by the time I get home and get my bags packed for the road trip I’ll be fine,” he said. “That’s the reason I live a little farther from the ballpark is for moments like this.”

GIANTS NOTES:
• Matt Cain allowed only 1 earned run, and has allowed 2 earned runs or less in 7 of his 9 starts this season...tossed his 1st complete game of the season and 5th of his career (last: 7/24/08 vs. WAS)...has tossed at least 6.0 innings in each of his 9 starts...first career start against Seattle...on road this season, is 2-0, 1.29 ERA (4 ER, 28.0 IP) in 4 starts.
• Randy Winn went 2x5 with 1 run scored and has now recorded multi-hit efforts in 4 of his last 5 games...since May 10, he is batting .396 (21x53) with 12 runs, 6 doubles, a triple and 9 RBI, moving his average up from .219 to .278.
• Giants snapped a 4 game losing streak with an 8th inning rally, starting with a single to left by Bengie Molina and capped off by a 3-run double by Juan Uribe that gave the Giants their first lead of the game.
• Juan Uribe drove in season-high 3 runs with a double to center in the 8th and went 2x3 for the night, extending his hitting streak to 4 games…has driven in 3-or more runs in 4 games against the Mariners.
• Jesus Guzman had his first major league career hit with a sharp grounder to third base in the 7th inning and went 1x3 before being replaced in the bottom of the 7th by Federal Way’s Travis Ishikawa.
• Pablo Sandoval went 2x3 with 2 singles and a walk…has now hit safely in last 3 games.
MARINERS NOTES:
• Garrett Olson made his second start this season, pitching 6 shutout innings in his first quality start of the season…in his 2 starts, he is 0-1, 3.75 ERA (5 ER, 12.0 IP) with 6 strikeouts…Seattle has lost both of his starts.
• Kenji Johjima threw out Giants’ attempting to steal 2nd base in the 6th and 9th innings…by throwing out both would-be base stealers, he has now thrown out 9 of 20 attempted base stealers this season, the best success rate (45%) for a catcher in the Majors.
• Over the last 4 games, Seattle starters have combined to go 1-1 with a 1.13 ERA (3 ER, 24.0 IP) with 14 strikeouts, allowing 1 earned run or less in 3 of the 4.
• Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak to 17 games; going 2x4…streak is currently the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors (Ellsbury, 18)…Ichiro is batting .342 (26x76) with 3 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI during the streak.
• Ichiro Suzuki recorded 17th infield hit in 5th inning, including 9 in his last 15 games…17 infield hits lead the Majors.
• Russell Branyan went 2x4 with singles in the 6th and 9th innings…has at least one hit in 13 of last 14 games at Safeco Field and 16 of 18 overall home games this season (.361/22x61).
• Seattle hitters recorded 10 hits, all singles today...each of their last 31 hits have been singles...have not recorded an extra-base-hit since an Ichiro double on May 20 vs. LAA leading off the game...despite the lack of extra-base power, the Mariners have split the last 4 games.
• Ken Griffey Jr., batting fourth for the Mariners for the first time since Aug. 11, 1996 against Minnesota, went 1x3. During his career, he is batting .271 (158x583) out of the 4-spot.
• Left-handed starter Ryan Rowland-Smith started rehab assignment at Triple A Tacoma tonight, tossing 4 innings and allowing 1 run and 4 hits, including 1 home run. Rowland-Smith made 49 pitches, 31 for strikes.

Sorry for the delayed start to the game updates, but it really hasn't been that exciting so far.

The biggest news would be Adrian Beltre singling in his first at-bat. Before the game manager Don Wakamatsu talked about Beltre taking some of the "muscle out of his swing."

"It has a lot to do with his approach and using the some of the opposite field," Wakamatsu said.

Bottom of third ...
The Mariners have a lead!!! Hey you don't get to write that often, so I figure a few exclamation points might be worth it. Back to back singles from Gutierrez and Ichiro (extending his hit streak to 17 games) and a sac bunt from Endy Chavez and Adrian Beltre's grounder to second base allowed Gutierrez to score, not exactly Sodo Mojo, but the M's will take it.

Top of fourth
Garrett Olson walks Pablo Sandoval to lead off the inning. Sandoval doubled off of Olson in the first inning, why am I bringing this up, to tell you about Sandoval's nickname,..... they call him the Kung Fu Panda because of his rather large frame and belly and yet frightening agility and athleticism which we saw last night on this play.

Do you see the similarities?

Bottom of the 4th
Joh with a stolen base. His second of the season probably fourth of his entire career. But it matters little as he's stranded there.

Top of the 6th
I'm really not sure what Sandoval was doing there as he tried to steal second and was thrown out by 30 feet by Joh. Lopez caught the ball and stood there and had to wait for a few seconds before tagging him out. Hey Sandoval's nickname is the Kung Fu Panda, not the Flash. I'm guessing maybe it was supposed to be a hit and run and Bengie Molina - who might be the slowest player in baseball might have missed.

UPDATE from Tacoma --- Ryan Rowland-Smith pitched 4 innings, allowed one run, on two hits - one being a solo home run and struck out one in his rehab start.

Bottom of 6th
I'd write something about the Mariners offense, but there is none right now.

Top of the 8th
Tough inning for Mark Lowe, who gave up five runs on four hits. Of all that went wrong there, walking the light-hitting Emmanuel Burris might have been the worst. Lowe was booed pretty good by the crowd. THat's awfully what have you done for me lately considering how good Lowe has been of late.

Yuniesky Betancourt is back on the bench again. Do I think it's punishment for the awful booted ball last night? Not really. You can't sit him every time he makes a mistake in the game. You don't want players playing not to make mistakes. I think it's more of a matter of Wakamatsu wanting to get Ronny Cedeno in the line-up today. But it also is nice to have a capable player like Cedeno to send mini messages. Wlad Balentien also gets a day off as well.

With that being said, Yuni is tied with Boston's Nick Green for most errors in baseball with eight. Jose Lopez is behind them with seven.

UPDATE: Like I expected, Wakamatsu isn't punishing Yuni per se.

"I didn't want to sit Ronny for the third day," Wakamatsu said.

As for the idea of benching somebody because of an error, Wakamatsu doesn't subscribe to that thinking.

"I'm definitely not a manager that once you make an error (you're out," he said. "What I look for work ethic, awareness in the ball game, the effort level and those type of things."

Mariners
Ichiro CF
Endy Chavez LF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Russell Branyan 1B
Jose Lopez 2B
Kenji Johjima C
Ronny Cedeno SS
Franklin Gutierrez CF
------------
LHP Garrett Olson P (0-1, 5.27 ERA)

Giants
Aaron Rowand CF
Edgar Renteria SS
Pablo Sandoval DH
Bengie Molina C
Randy Winn RF
Jesus Guzman 1B
Juan Uribe 3B
Fred Lewis LF
Kevin Frandsen 2B
-------------
RHP Matt Cain (4-1, 2.65 ERA)

During a mid-90s trip to Cleveland, I ran into Randy Johnson one morning in a mall - and the Big Unit was weaing a suit and tie.

Surprised, I asked him why he was dressed so well.

"You never know when you might meet the future Mrs. Unit," Randy replied.

Ah, those were the days. The days when, for instance, he was speaking to me. We had a lot of conversations early on, more than a few laughs.

Now, he's back, not as an Astro or Diamondback, a Yankee or a Diamondback again, but as a Giant. And he's looking for career win No. 299.

It's Randy vs. Jason Vargas, and we're off.

That was quick

Aaron Rowland hit the fourth pitch of the game into the San Francisco bullpen, and Vargas may be hopelessly behind.

One run? The Mariners have scored once in their last 18 innings.

Mr. Johnson has a lead.

In the first: Giants 1, Mariners 0

We have a pitching duel

Johnson isn't blazing tonight - he's topped out at 92 mph, so far - but he's throwing a slider the Mariners aren't hitting hard.

The surprise may be Vargas, something of a junk-balling lefty, who has five strikeouts through three innings.

Neither of these teams scores much, and so far scoring has been held to one first-inning swing.

In the third: Giants 1, Mariners 0

The Streak lives

A fifth-inning error allowed Franklin Gutierrez to reach base, and then Icihro Suzuki go a hit only Ichiro can get.
Topping a ball in front of the plate, Ichiro legged out his 16th infield single of the season and extended his hitting streak to 16 games.
Two on, one out and Adrian Beltre up? Johnson got a ground ball force out from Beltre, and with runners at the corners struck out Mike Sweeney.

The Mariners may never score again.

After five: Giants 1, Mariners 0

Good Lord! It's a Mariners rally

Don Wakamatsu isn't afraid of risks, and the one he took in sixth inning changed this game.

With two on, one out and a 3-2 count on Jose Lopez, the Mariners manager sent his runners - and Lopez delivered a ground ball that pushed home Seattle's first run since the first inning of Wednesday's game.

A bloop single by Yuniesky Betancourt loaded the bases, and Johnson was lifted for a reliever.

Feel good moment of the night? As Randy walked off the mound, he doffed his cap and saluted the 38,520 fans at Safeco Field - and they roared back appreciation.

Reliever Brandon Medders struck out Gutierrez. Ichiro - batting .219 with runners in scoring position this season - grounded into a force.

The Unit won't lose, but he won't get No. 299 tonight.

After six: Mariners 1, Giants 1

And another Mariners rally!

Adrian Beltre singled to open the seventh inning, and when Fred Lewis let the ball get by, Beltre wound up at second base.

Sweeney flied deep enough to right field that Beltre took thircx base, and the Giants brought their infield in for cleanup hitter Wladimir Balentien.

He struck out for the third time.

That brought in reliever Jeremy Affeldt to face Branyan, lefty-vs.-lefty, with two outs and the go-ahead run at third base.
Branyan worked the count full, then walked to bring up Kenji Johjima.
Johjima grounded out.

Vargas, who has gone seven marvelous innings, is done for the night. Like Johnson, he won't win or lose.

For now, it's Mark Lowe's game.

Afer seven: Mariners 1, Giants 1

And in the ninth ...

With the score tied, Ichiro grounded out, but Beltre blooped a single into left field - his second hit of the night - to bring up Sweeney.

Sweeney legged out an infield single, getting Beltre to second base, and Endy Chavez ran for Sweeney.

Balentien grounded to first, pushing both runners up a base, and the Giants promply walked Branyan intentionally.

Ken Griffey Jr., batting for Johjima, got a standing ovation for moving into the on-deck circle - and no one sat down when he walked to the plae.

On a 2-1 pitch, Junior flied to the warning track in right-center field.

Extra innings game No. 5.

After nine: Mariners 1, Giants 1

And in the 11th ...

The pitching has been fabulous tonight, and the bullpens have dominated, but there seems a real chance neither the Giants or Mariners will ever score again.

Send food.

After 11: Mariners 1, Giants 1

And in the end
Beltre opened the 12th inning with a walk, and fans began sacrificing mice in the outfield seats and chanting in the upper deck.

Russell singled Belte to third, and in the Mariners dugout, grown men wept.

Rob Johnson walked to load 'em up with no one out, and women in the stands promised to name their next child after whoever produced an RBI.

Jose Lopez did, singling off the outfield wall.

Final: Mariners 2, Giants 1

Look at that hair. Now that's the hair of a hard-throwing ace of a baseball staff. Maybe Felix Hernandez should try growing out a little Kentucky Waterfall.

In all seriousness, Randy Johnson returns to Seattle tonight in search of his 299th win. He may not get as warm of reception as Ken Griffey Jr. did when he came back with Cincinnati a few years ago, I'm pretty sure he won't receive the boos that Alex Rodriguez did either.

Columnist John McGrath checks in on the subject ... As does Art Thiel. Apparently Johnson isn't going to get misty-eyed in his return, but Giants first baseman Travis Ishikawa - a Federal Way native - wants to see Junior.

I'm sure Lash will post some of his "favorite" moments with Johnson later today.

Most Mariners fans that I talk to have a healthy respect for the Unit and what he meant to this organization during one of its most successful periods. Of course, that whole trade in 1998 to the Houston Astros left some fans miffed. Many people thought he mailed it in that first half of the season trying to force a trade,going 9-10 with a 4.33 ERA. And they were even more incensed that he went 10-1 with a 1.28 ERA, to lead Houston to the playoffs.

And what the Mariners received in the trade -- Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen, John Halama -- all were contributors, but never superstars and all moved on as well.

I actually saw the Unit pitch for the Astros that year in the Astrodome and he beat the Cincinnati Reds - 1-0. He tossed nine innings, allowed six hits and struck out 14, while walking one. At times it looks like he was pitching to the little leaguers.

Regardless of that season, you cannot overlook or underestimate what he did for the Mariners, particularly in the 1995 playoffs, or what he achieved in the game of baseball.

And it goes beyond his hair cut, or lack thereof back then.

Here's a quick look at his resume.

10-time all star
5 Cy Youngs -- 1995, including four in a row 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
No-hitter on June 2, 1990 against Detroit
Perfect game May 18, 2004 against Atlanta
Led the league in ERA in 1995, 19999, 2001, 2002
Led the league in strikeouts nine times.

Career numbers
4080 innings pitched
298 career wins (24th overall)
164 losses
Career 3.29 ERA
4,831 career strikeouts (2nd all-time)
Average of 10.66 strikeouts per inning pitched (1st all-time)
37 career shutouts

Ken Griffey Jr. isn' playing with lefty Joe Saunders starting for the Angels, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been heard from today.

In the pre-game clubhouse, he broke up the team by coming up with a nickname for shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

"Star Wars."

Why?

By way of explaination, Junior jumped to his feet and began wielding his bat like a sword - or a light saber - and swinging it high, then low, but always wildly.

Before he was done, even Betancourt was laughing.

Junior's kept 'em loose. Now let's see how they play.

It's Erik Bedard vs. Saunders. We're off.

A big fly

Bedard started well. Fly ball out. Fly ball out. Long, long fly ball ...

Juan Rivera's two-out solo home run means the Mariners will need at least two runs to win tonight.

In the first: Angels 1, Mariners 0

The Streak lives

Ichiro's leadoff single extended his hitting streak to 15 games, though he was quickly erased when Adrian Beltre banged into a double play.

His longest streak? Ichiro hit in 25 consecutive games in 2007.

A big fly II

Leading off the third inning, Gary Matthews Jr. hit his first home run of the season, another solo shot.

For Bedard, who missed his last start with an inflamed hamstring, that's two home runs in the first run through the Angels lineup.

In the third: Angels 2, Mariners 0

Those running Mariners

Bedard has held the Angels to a pair of runs on two hits - both homers - into the fifth inning.

He's losing because the Mariners offense still isn't producing. In fact, the Mariners have one hit, and that was Ichiro's leadoff single.

From the dugout, manager Don Wakamatsu is trying to push his team toward the scoreboard by running every time he has the chance. So far, that means Ichiro has a stolen base and first baseman Branyan Russell swiped another afer a fourth inning walk.

No matter. Saunders is still dealing a shutout.

What was that?

Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt opened the fifth with singles, both hit to the opposite field, but Franklin Gutierrez - after missing on a bunt try - popped out.

Ichiro forced Betancourt at second base.

That brought up the slumping Beltre, batting .198. Ichiro took off for second base, was caught in a rundown, and the Angels eventually tagged Lopez out trying to score.

Oops.

After five: Angels 2, Mariners 0

A really big fly

Morrow went two perfect innings and gave way to Garrett Olson, who got the first two batters he faced.

The third - No. 9 hitter Howie Kendrick - homered into the second deck in left field.

The Angels have three hits now, all home runs. The Mariners have four hits, all singles.

In the eighth: Angels 3, Mariners 0

That's all, folks
Former Mariner Brian Fuentes on the mound, and the outs came quickly in the ninth.
Balentien, fly ball. Branyan singled. Kenji Johjima, pop fly. Lopez, ground ball.

Fuentes: save No. 11.

Final score: Angels 3, Mariners 0

There has been some talk about the possibility of the San Diego Padres trading for shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

One of the players mentioned as a possible swap is outfielder Chase Headley. The former second-round pick was perhaps one of the Padres best hitting prospects. But finding him a position to play in the field was a problem. They've moved to him to left field. He's started the bulk of the game there ... and that's where he's going to stay for the Padres.

I talked to a source close to the Padres, who said that Headley is off the table for trades. It makes sense, why would they give up a solid and emerging hitter and a guy under club control for the next few years, for a high-priced underachieving and regressing shortstop?

And infielder Matt Antonelli? That isn't absurd, but my source said that picking up Betancourt and his contract just doesn't make sense for a team trying to dump payroll (see every trade rumor surrounding Jake Peavy) and is in the process of changing owners.

Betancourt is owed $3 million in 2010, $4 million in 2011 and has a $6 million club option in 2012 with a $2 million buyout.

Yuni may be traded, but it won't be for Chase Headley.

Ichiro opens the game with a 13-game hitting streak - the 30th time in his career he's had a streak of 10 games or more.

He's also scored 899 runs in his career, and since 2001 onlny three players (ARod, Albert Pujols and Johnny Damon) have scored more.

The Mariners would love to have him score a handful tonight, but they're still struggling to find a consistent lineup that can give them production.

This is their 41st game - and their 36th new lineup.

It's Ervin Santana vs. Chris Jakubauskas. And we're off.

That was quick

Ichiro doubled to extend that hitting streak to 14 consecutive games, then scored his 900th career run on a one-out single by Ken Griffey Jr.

Junior now has 10 RBI for the season, getting him out of single digits, and his bat seems to be heating up.

After one: Mariners 1, Angels 0

Whittle 'em down

Jakubauskas retired 12 of the first 13 men he faced, gave up a double and two walks - and still got out of the inning without allowing a run.

In the meantime, the Angels are losing players. Vladimir Guerrero is on the disabled list, and after his first-inning ground out, Bobby Abreu left the game with a left big toe injury of unspecified seriousness.

Good pitching and a lineup that loses productive hitters? That's a combo that might help Seattle.

In the fourth: Mariners 1, Angels 0

Turn down the wind!

Jakubauskas has limited the Angels to two hits through five innings but hasn't seen his lead grow.

Why not?

The Mariners have only three hits against Santana - just one since the first inning. Part of it for both teams may be the weather. It's cool. No, actually, with a steady breeze it's damned cool, and hands get numb quickly in such an atmosphere.

Here in the fifth, Yuniesky Betancourt singled with one out, stole second and took third on catcher Jeff Mathis' throwing error.

The Angels brought their infield in, and Franklin Gutierrez struck out.

That brought up Ichiro, who popped out.

After five: Mariners 1, Angels 0

Batista time

Jakubauskas served up a six-inning reminder why he made this team, shutting the Angels out on two hits before running out of gas.

Now on the mound, and presumably gassed up, is Miguel Batista.

In the seventh: Mariners 1, Angels 0

One inning to go

Batista worked the seventh. Mark Lowe just worked the eighth inning - and the Mariners still lead, 1-0.

The ninth belongs to David Aardsma, and if can hold this lead, the Mariners will win their third 1-0 game of the season.

Pitching has been great, defense superb - this may be Betancourt's finest game of the season - and Griffey's RBI is the only run.

In the eighth: Mariners 1, Angels 0

Aardsma ends it
Mr. Aardsma pitched the ninth and has now one 9 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts.

That's a final.

Mariners 1, Angels 0

The Mariners are running out another new-look lineup, trying to ignite a couple of hitters they badly need – Adrian Beltre and Wladimir Balentien.

Beltre has been moved from fourth to second in the batting order to give him a new look, perhaps a new feel at the plate. Balentien, for now, will bat cleanup.

Why?

“We look at Balentien as a power bat in the middle of the lineup in the future, and we’re going to put him there and see how he reacts,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “We thought getting Adrian out of the 3-4 holes for a while might help him. He’s got to be a force in our lineup.”

Beltre hasn’t been, yet. Batting .205, he has only 15 RBI despite batting in the heart of the lineup all season. And Ken Griffey Jr., who’s hitting third again tonight, has only nine RBI for the season.

Here’s tonight’s lineup. Wakamatsu and his team have to hope the same guys hitting in different spots can somehow become a more productive group.
Ichiro RF
Beltre 3B
Griffey Jr. DH
Balentien LF
Russell Branyan 1B
Kenji Johjima C
Jose Lopez 2B
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Chris Jakuauskas RHP

Yesterday’s Results --- Standings --- Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma (Off Day) --- 20-19, 3rd, -4.0 ---
at West Tenn 6, Birmingham 2 --- 15-22, 5th, -3.0 --- W-P. Ryan (2-3); S-N. Hill (1)
at High Desert 19, Rancho Cucamonga 8 --- 25-14, 1st, +3.0 --- W-J. Zapata (1-0)
at Wisconsin 2, Clinton 1 --- 20-18, 4th, -3.0 --- L-B. Lorin (3-1)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers took the first of a rare 2-day break from the season. Tacoma returns to action Thursday to start an eight-game homestand, hosting the Memphis Redbirds in the first of a fourgame series at Cheney Stadium. The Rainiers have won 9 of their last14 games and are coming off a 4-4 road trip against New Orleans (2-2) and Oklahoma City (2-2). Bryan LaHair and Prentice Redman are tied for the team lead with 10 home runs (T5th in the PCL) and the Rainiers are averaging 1.3 home runs per game. Jeff Clement recorded a hit in all 8 games during the recent road trip, combining to bat .429 (15x35) with 5 runs, 6 doubles, 2 home runs and 7 RBI. Redman has recorded a hit in 10 of his last 11 games to raise his season average to a team-best .324 (48x148). LaHair has hit 4 of his 10 home runs over the last 8 games. Mike Morse has a current 8- game hitting streak (.364/12x33) and hits in 11 of his last 12 games to raise his season average from .256 to .281.
Thursday’s probable starter:
RH Andy Baldwin (2-2, 3.43) vs. Memphis

=> Read more!

It's been a while since we've done a links post, and I have no other excuse than my sheer apathy and admit that it's kind of pain putting these things together -- neither of which are valid excuses. So instead of putting you to sleep with a 1,000 word post like I often do, let's do some links ...

From the News Tribune, your newspaper for the South Sound
Here's my game story from yesterday ... and the game notebook.

Here's the game story from the LA Times' Mike DiGiovanna

Columnist John McGrath believes the Mariners continue to come up short at shortstop. My weekly power rankings are at the bottom of it.

Here's my Sunday column that I wrote on the number of fake Red Sox fans that invaded Safeco this past weekend. Got plenty of emails and comments on it from people.

AUDIO: I forgot to post it over the weekend, I did my weekly segment with Ian Furness on Friday afternoon you can listen to it here.

I was also on with Brock and Salk on 710 ESPN on Friday morning. You can listen to it here.

Speaking of Mike Salk, he has a very interesting blog post comparing how the Mariners handled Brandon Morrow to how the Red Sox handled first-round pick Daniel Bard, who recently got called up. It's good stuff and something Mike and I talked about the other day at length.

Many people believe the Mariners will take UNC first baseman/outfielder Dustin Ackley with the second pick of the draft. Peter Gammons writes about him here.

The Boston Herald's Sean McAdam took a look at some Red Sox coaches who interviewed for the Mariners managerial job, including Terry Francona.

Former Mariners updates ...

Randy Johnson will start on Friday at Safeco Field looking for win 299, KC Star and SI columnist Joe Posnanski has as a column about Johnson and reaching the milestone.

Joel Pineiro tossed his first shutout in quite a while for the Cardinals

Jeremy Reed had a tough error the other night to lose the game. Here's the story on the game where the Mets fell apart.

Around the AL West
The Rangers finally got beat -- by Dontrelle Willis of all people.

Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci believes the Rangers are for real.

Here's 5 reasons why the Rangers are successful according to Jim Reaves.

Is Eric Chavez's career in crisis?

Is the A's Bob Geren, the next manager that will be fired?

Around baseball ...
Yahoo's Jeff Passan checks in with the Nats on Stephen Strasburg and they say he won't pitch in the big leagues this season.

Speaking of the draft, here's John Manual's overview of the draft for Baseball America.

USA Today has a this story on back-up catchers.

George Brett has a bit of a moment on a local news station when asked about KC manager Trey Hillman

BOX SCORE

Manager Don Wakamatsu is a lot of things, thoughtful, positive and extremely honest. So tonight following the Mariners 6-5 loss to the Angels at Safeco, that honesty came out in his criticism of his starting pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

While players like Yuniesky Betancourt have drawn sharp criticism of Wakamatsu, Felix has not had such comments. Really Felix hasn't had much criticism in a while. But Wakamatsu was not impressed with Hernandez's outing of 5 2/3 innings pitched, 6 runs allowed on 11 hits.

“Our team revolves around pitching and defense and we were good at neither at the start of the game,” Wakamatsu said. “Felix wasn’t sharp. Sometimes you ask guys to step up and I don’t think he stepped up today.”

Well Felix certainly had his issues. He never made it an inning without allowing a base runner and he threw 107 pitches with 63 strikes.

However, it was Felix's inability to slow down or even seem to pay proper attention to the Angels' running game. The Angels stole five bases in eight attempts. And while Kenji Johjima isn't known to be particularly great at throwing out runners, Wakamatsu felt that Felix allowed them to good of jumps by not being quicker to the plate.

“A lot of it how hard it has to do with how hard we worked to control the running game,” Wakamatsu said. “Anaheim is a good club, but it’s an embarrassment to allow them to steal five bags off of us. If we do a better job of controlling the running game it’s a different outcome.”

Felix isn't fast to home, but he usually isn't horrible. But Wakamatsu said he was in the 1.5 to 1.6 seconds range and that is just too slow.

“It comes and goes,” Wakamatsu said of Hernandez’s times to the plate. “And that’s what we talk about showing up, especially as talented as Anaheim is.”

Felix had a different opinion of his start. When asked if he was frustrated, he responded: "I’m not frustrated, hell no,” he said. “For me it was a good performance. I made good pitches and they just hit the ball in the holes.”

So we have a differing of opinions.

When asked about the stolen bases, Felix said he tried to keep them close, and that stolen bases were part of the game and that the Angels are just good at it.

Ronny Cedeno got the start over Betancourt and delivered a two-run homer and a sac bunt that led to a run. If I had to guess, Cedeno will be starting on Wednesday night, perhaps at second base. Jose Lopez had a tough game. He went 0-for-4 at the plate, including grounding into a double play with runners on first and third and one out in the fifth inning. He also showed poor range on two of Torii Hunter's singles and booted a sure double play that cost the Mariners a run in a one run loss.

Wakamatsu mentioned both in his postgame comments.

On the booted double play ball ...

“That hurt us, and that’s the defense I’m talking about,” Wakamatsu said.

On hitting into a double play and swinging at the first pitch ...
“We could have tacked on a run and kept the game even or go ahead,” Wakamatsu said.

Wakamatsu was as frustrated as I've ever seen him, but it might not be the last time. This team has been so close in games, but silly things have cost them. And until they get cleaned up, or addressed, they will continue to haunt them in key situations.

We were just given the update on Carlos Silva and his MRI.

Silva underwent an MRI exam on Monday and he has an internal impingement and fraying of both the labrum and rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder. While it sounds bad, it is common for most pitchers to have fraying of those areas from constant use.

The MRI results were reviewed by Mariners team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Khalfayan. But as a precaution the results are being sent to New York for a second opinion from Dr. David Altchek.

We don't know the extent of the fraying. And getting a second opinion is also a pretty common occurrence.

(Line-ups below)

GAME UPDATES START HERE

Top of 1st
Felix looking rather un-Felix-like in the first inning giving up four straight hits to start the inning. I'm still not certain where Lopez was playing on Torii Hunter's groundball to the right side. Felix didn't appear to understand it either. Anyway Angels get a 2-0 lead and Felix throw almost 30 pitches.

Bottom of 1st
Yeah, we've seen that type of swing a few times before, this one might not generate the same bat speed, but it still pretty darn smooth. Griffey with his fourth homer of the season.

Top of 2nd
A much better inning for Felix, though the Angels have shown they can and will steal second on Felix and Johjima

Bottom of 2nd
Ronny Cedeno with a two-run homer to give the M's a 3-2 lead. Hmm, wonder what Yuni is thinking.

Top of 3rd
The Angels aggressiveness costs them a run. After stealing second with ease, Torii Hunter tried to steal third as well and was tossed out with Kendry Morales at the plate, a few pitches later Morales hit a ground rule double. He was stranded at second costing them a run.

Bottom of 3rd
Not much going other than a Griffey walk

Top of 4th
The Angels get a run after a Gary Matthews walk and single up the middle from Howie Kendrick. Cedeno tried to make a diving play but couldn't come up with it.

Bottom of 4th
Joh gets an infield hit and Ronny Cedeno gets drilled by a pitch and Ichiro drives in a run with a single to the right side.

Top of 5th
Felix is leaving some pitches up in the zone and on the middle of the plate. He's paid for it with a couple of singles. A run scores on wild pitch, but really I think it should have been called a passed ball. Joh should have had that pitch. Jose Lopez commits an error at second to allow another run to score, it's now 5-4.

Thinking out loud for a moment, here's a question: Has Lopez played that much better than Yuni this season?

Bottom of 5th
The Mariners strand a pair of runners as Lopez as if on cue by that last comment, hits into an inning ending double play, swinging at the first pitch.

Top of 6th
Felix is done after a single from Izturis and a double to Abreu. Sean White comes in and cleans it up getting the final out ... Felix's line 5 2/3, 6 runs, 11 hits, thre walks three strikeouts and a wild pitch.

Bottom of 6th
The Mariners cut it to 6-5 as Johjima doubles to lead off the inning, Chavez sac bunts him over and Endy Chavez's grounder to second scores the run. Not exactly "chicks dig the long ball" but this is the Mariners this year.

Top of 7th
The Mainrers have not had 1-2-3 inning yet.

Bottom of 7th
The Mariners give the Angels a 1-2-3 inning though

Top of 8th
I really have no explanation for what Howie Kendrick was doing on that double play, though Cedeno did stay back for a moment like he might let it hop, but still, I don't think that's even justifiable as an excuse. Joh throws Izturis out on a steal, the Angels have certainly been aggressive. IT's helped them and hurt them tonight.

Bottom of 9th
The relieving trio of White, Lowe and Batista have done their job to keep the deficit only one run, but the Mariners bats have been quiet, Beltre has looked lost and Gutierrez and Lopez haven't been much better. They're a combined 0-12

And former Mariner prospect Brian Fuentes ends the hope with a strikeout of Ichiro to end the game... Angels 6, Mariners 5

Angels
Figgins 3B
Izturis SS
Abreu RFp
Hunter CF
Morales 1B
Napoli C
Matthews Jr. RF
Rivera DH
Kendrick 2B
-----
Palmer (4-0, 3.38 ERA)

Mariners
Ichiro RF
Gutierrez CF
Griffey Jr. DH
Beltre 3B
Branyan 1B
Lopez 2B
Johjima C
Cedeno SS
Chavez LF
------
Hernandez (4-2, 3.53 ERA)

Right now as I type this, Betancourt is standing in center field at Safeco with his arms crossed, clearly not pleased about NOT playing tonight. Manager Don Wakamatsu was asked if Betancourt's absence in the line-up was a product of last night's poor play in the field.

“It's some of that, obviously, but I need and want to see Ronny play a little bit more," Wakamatsu said. "Early in the season we had a little more rotation and I like that concept of giving guys breaks. It’s not that I am sending any messages, but it’s more about the level of play expectations. That’s one of the main reasons Ronny is playing short today.”

So it is a little about Yuni's play. But players have to earn playing time Wakamatsu said.

"How much is it lack of effort and how much is focus?" Wakamatsu said. "If we are going to go forward and do what we want to do here going forward, the level of expectation has to go higher and we have to make adjustments if mistakes are made.”

So that's that.

Injury updates
Matt Tuiasosopo had his surgery today on his right elbow today. Everything went well, they removed a few small bone spurs and will start rehabbing soon.

The results are in on Carlos Silva's MRI on his shoulder, but Wakamatsu said he'd wait for one of the team doctors to discuss it. So we'll probably meet with them about 5 p.m. Ryan Rowland-Smith (elbow) threw 55 pitches today in Arizona and felt good. He's going to come back up here, throw a bullpen session and then head out to Tacoma around May 23.

When asked when Rowland-Smith could ultimately return to the rotation, Wakamatsu said: “If everything went well, we could build his pitch-count up by the first week of next month and it would be pretty quick," Wakamatsu said. "He was at 55 today. A bullpen. I would say in two or three outings he would be ready."

... Roy Corcoran played catch again today and will throw a bullpen session on Thursday.

Other stuff ...
Russell Branyan, who played with Brad Nelson briefly last season with the Nashville Sounds, didn't even know that Nelson had signed with the Mariners. While he was surprised, he seemed happy for him.

"He can really hit when he gets going," Branyan said. "He's got a lot of power, but he's more of a line drive hitter. You know this year what Milwaukee asked him to do being a pinch hitter off the bench is a pretty tough thing to do as a rookie."

In the picture above, Mike McCready, guitar player for Pearl Jam, is in uniform and standing with Bob Sherwin of MLB.com and Kirby Arnold of the Everett Herald. McCready is playing the national anthem tonight. His sound check sounded pretty good, but it was funny he scared Adrian Beltre a few different times while Beltre was taking early BP.

I will admit, I like Pearl Jam, got to go with this as my favorite song

But "Black" is not far behind.

Mariners
Ichiro RF
Gutierrez CF
Griffey DH
Beltre 3B
Branyan 1B
Lopez 2B
Johjima C
Cedeno SS
Chavez LF
-------
Felix Hernandez P

Yesterday’s Results --- Standings --- Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma, 0, at Oklahoma City 3 (G1) --- L-L. Muñoz (0-3)
Tacoma 1, at Oklahoma City 9 (G2) --- 20-19, 3rd, -4.5 L-C. Seddon (1-3)
Birmingham 3, at West Tenn 5 --- 14-22, 5th, -4.0 --- W-M. Rivera (4-3); SV-A. Varvaro (1)
Stockton 3, at High Desert 4 --- 24-14, 1st, +3.0 --- W-D. Hume (4-1); SV-S. Richard (2)
at Wisconsin 14, Clinton 7 --- 20-17, 4th, -3.0 --- L-W. Suriel (0-4)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE GAME 1
BOX SCORE GAME 2
Pitching Lines (Game 1):
RH Luis Muñoz (L, 0-3) 6.0,6,3,3,1,7,HR
RH Brodie Downs 2.0,1,0,0,1,0
With the Bats (Game 1):
1B Mike Carp 1x2, 2 BB
SS Mike Morse 1x3, BB
Pitching Lines (Game 2):
LH Chris Seddon (L, 1-3) 4.0,8,6,6,3,2,HR
RH Eric Hull 1.0,3,2,2,1,0
RH Jared Wells 1.0,1,0,0,2,1
LH Justin Thomas 1.0,2,1,1,2,0
RH Randy Messenger 1.0,2,0,0,0,1
With the Bats (Game 2):
SS Mike Morse 2x4, 2B, K
LF Michael Saunders 1x3, R, BB, K
DH Jeff Clement 1x3, BB
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers were swept in the double header and failed to score in the first 17 innings. Prentice Redman drove in Michael Saunders in in the 9th inning of G2. DH Jeff Clement has an 8-game hitting streak. During streak he is batting .429 (15x35) with 6 doubles and 2 home runs. Prentice Redman had his 9 game hit streak snapped in G1 but has hit safely in 10 of 11 (18x53/.340). Mike Morse went 3x7 during the double-header.
Thursday’s probable starter:
RH Andy Baldwin (2-2, 3.43) vs. Memphis

=> Read more!

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik added a familiar face to the Mariners, signing first baseman Brad Nelson to a minor league contract earlier today.

Nelson was with the Milwaukee Brewers organization since 2001, after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 draft.

Nelson, who hits left-handed with plenty of pop, was with the Brewers this season, but when he was outrighted, instead of choosing to return to Triple A, he chose to become a free agent. Not flawed logic, since he's stuck behind Prince Fielder.

This move makes plenty of sense for the Mariners who are lacking power. Nelson could help supplement it, though he's really never had much of an opportunity to do so at the big league level.

To be fair, acquiring Nelson is something that the USS Mariner has lobbied for often in the past.

Last year at Triple A Nashville, Nelson posted an OPS of .860, hitting 36 doubles, 18 homers and driving in 78 runs in 132 games.

So Nelson a first baseman/outfielder joins a Rainiers team with a few of them on the roster including, Mike Carp, Bryan LaHair and Chris Shelton. Don't forget that Jeff Clement and Mike Morse also work in at first base. But Rainiers manager Daren Brown has moved players around already this year to get at-bats, he can do a little more adjusting.

One thing is for certain, Nelson will give the Rainiers more pop to an already power-laden line-up that is near the top of PCL in home runs with 52, one behind leader Salt Lake.

Box Score

Well, it was a pretty quiet clubhouse after the game. Manager Don Wakamatsu put it best when he said ... “If you would have told me that we would have got 10 hits and six runs, then we’d definitely win this game."

I think most would agree. Jarrod Washburn, who has the worst run support of any starter in the AL since 2005, got run support. He had a 3-0 lead, then a 4-1 lead. But everything fell apart in the fifth inning.

Washburn was clearly miffed on a missed strike call on a 2-2 change-up to Juan Rivera. On his next pitch, he left a fastball up and Rivera hit it out. And he had strong words with umpire Dana DeMuth following Riveras's home run.

“I was upset,” Washburn said. “Unfortunately I lost my cool a little bit and made a bad pitch after that."

As for the rest of the inning, both Washburn and Wakamatsu said that his anger didn't cause him to lose focus.

"The rest of the inning had nothing do with that at-bat, well, unless if he makes the call and there are three outs and the whole inning doesn’t happen.”

But it did and perhaps the worst mistake he made was walking Bobby Abreu. Sure there was a bag open but you don't want to bring Torii Hunter up with bases loaded. Yes Washburn had struck him out earlier in the game, but Hunter came in 3-for-5 this season with a homer and double and five RBI off of Washburn, he leaves 4-for-6 with a two doubles, a homer and eight RBI.

"I lost command for four pitches to Abreu and walked him and that hurt,” Washburn said.

Washburn said he was trying to work Hunter in, and after Hunter took two pitches that were a little inside, Washburn tried to sneak a ball on the inside half for a called strike, but it wasn't in far enough.

"I just got too much of the plate and left it up," Washburn said.

manager Don Wakamatsu said. “It was really game split in half. I thought we’d played our best baseball in the first half … and then obviously our pitching let us down a little bit.”

As for Brandon Morrow, Wakamatsu had mixed feelings. He was obviously not impressed with the two runs in the sixth, but he like that Morrow battled back and pitched out of a jam in the seventh.

"This guy will be a big part of our bullpen as we go forward," Wakamatsu said. "So I look at that as a positive that he battled through that. Overall I'm happy with that."

ANGELS NOTES:
• The Angels hit 3 home runs, tying their season high (last: 4/11/09 vs. BOS)…also recorded a season-high tying 7 extra-base hits in today's game, their 3rd of the season (last: 4/28 at BAL).
• Kendry Morales had his first career 2 home run game, going 3x5 with his 7th and 8th home runs of the season...since April 22nd, his 8 home runs are tied for 2nd best in the American League…his 3-hit game also ties his career high… Morales is the 2nd Angel to have a two home run game this season (last: Mike Napoli, 4/11/09 vs. BOS)
• Juan Rivera went 2x4 with a home run with an RBI, walk and a career-high tying 3 runs scored...had scored 3 runs in a game in 6 previous games (last: 7/4/06 at Seattle)...each of his last three 3-run games have come at Safeco Field.
• Mike Napoli's double in the 2nd inning snapped a string of 17 consecutive singles for the Angels...they had not recorded an extra-base hit since a 3-run home run by Kendry Morales in the 9th inning on May 15 at Texas.
• Bobby Abreu had his 14th stolen base of the season, and remains 4th in the AL.

MARINERS NOTES:
• With his leadoff home run in the 4th, Russell Branyan extended his home hitting streak to 10 games…he has now recorded an extra-base hit in 9 consecutive games, tying the club record (Alex Rodriguez, 1997; Rupert Jones, 1979)…home extra-base hit streak is also tied for 2nd longest in the Major Leagues since 2000.
• Ken Griffey Jr. went 2x4 with an RBI including 2,700th hit of career with 1st inning single …two hits tied a season-high.
• Jarrod Washburn allowed a season-high tying 6 runs (last: 4/26 at LAA)...lost his 2nd straight start against the Angels and has allowed 14 earned in 16.1 innings for a 7.72 ERA in 2009...since the start of the 2008 season, Washburn is 1-5, 5.97 ERA (23 ER, 34.2 IP) in his last 6 starts against the Angels.
• Ichiro Suzuki went 2x5 with a run scored and extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single in the 5th inning…during the streak he is hitting .377 (20x53) with 4 runs, a double, 2 home runs, and 3 RBI…both of his hits were of the infield variety, his 6th and 7th in his last 10 games, and he leads the Major Leagues in infield hits with 13.
• Kenji Johjima had a bunt single in the 2nd inning, it was the second bunt single of his career (last: 9/14/07 vs. TB).
• Wladimir Balentien went 1x3 with a double in the 8th inning…it was his 8th double of the season and his 7th in May...is tied for the American League lead in doubles during May.

Not much else to write ... but for MOO, who asked about Rob Johnson, he's fine. He's got a metal splint on top of his index finger on his throwing hand. Apparently there was a nasty and rather large blood blister on the finger that he had them pop yesterday. He'll probably sit out a couple days and be fine, but said that he could play if needed.

Top of 1st
No trouble for Washburn in that inning.

Bottom of 1st
Hold on a second, the Mariners got an RBI from the clean-up spot. After back to back singles from Jose Lopez and Ken Griffey Jr., Wlad Balentien hit a high fly ball to left deep enough to score Lopez, who tagged up on the play. Maybe it's not a three-run homer, but it's a run, something the Mariners didn't get from that clean-up spot all weekend.

Top of 2nd
Wlad Balentien delivers a "seed" into second to get Mike Napoli. Wlad has impressed me with his defense this year. He's obviously lacking the range of Chavez but he's not Ibanez either.

Bottom of 2nd
Well the Mariners get two runs with out hitting a ball out of the infield, in fact the only time it did leave the infield is when Mike Napoli picked it up on Ronny Cedeno's bunt and fired it out there. Three bunts, a walk and an error get two runs.

Top of 3rd
Well, Washburn gives up a run on a Chone Figgins double, that might have been negated had Branyan been able to hang on for a tough catch on foul pop up near the dugout.

Bottom of 3rd
Not much going there ...

Top of 4th
Washburn coasting along nicely ...

Bottom of 4th
Russell Branyan with a moonshot of a homer to right, his 10th of the season. I have never seen someone who hits home runs that high. They look like pop ups that just keep carrying.

Top of 5th
Well that inning wasn't too much as Washburn got squeezed a little by home plate umpire Dana DeMuth before Juan Rivera hit the home run. The other issue though is that Washburn was leaving the ball up in the strikezone and he simply can't afford to do that.

Bottom of 5th
Ichiro extends his hitting streak to 12 games with an infield single. And Griffey later drives him, going with an outside pitch and driving it up the middle, similar to his first at-bat.

Top of 6th
Well, Brandon Morrow continues to struggle he's gave up a hit to Juan Rivera and then Kendry Morales crushed a 96 mph fastball to center for a home run. Morrow got hit around pretty good that inning, he's also started going from the full wind-up again.

Bottom of 6th
Mariners get a run back as Branyan leads off with a double and he later scores on Gutierrez's sac fly.

Top of 7th
Morrow again works himself into so me trouble with a walk and a single but gets out of it.

Bottom of 7th
A quick and quiet inning.

Top of 8th
Kendry Morales' absolutely punishes a ball out of the park for a solo blast off of Denny Stark.

Bottom of 8th.

Yesterday’s Results --- Standings --- Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma 9, at Oklahoma City 1 --- 20-17, 3rd, -4.0 --- W-D. Fister (1-0)
#1 Birmingham 4, at West Tenn 3 --- L-T. Parker (1-2)
#2 Birmingham 4, at West Tenn 2 --- 13-22, 5th, -4.5 --- L-S. Bray (0-2)
Stockton 9, at High Desert 7 --- 23-14, 1st, +2.0 --- L-P. Aumont (0-2)
#1 at Wisconsin 7, Clinton 0 --- L-K. Kasparek (1-4)
#2 at Wisconsin 8, Clinton 3 --- 20-16, 2nd, -3.0 --- L-S. Penney (0-1)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
BOX SCORE
Here's Mike Curto's game story
Pitching Lines:
RH Doug Fister (W, 1-0) 7.0,9,0,0,0,5
RH Steven Shell 2.0,2,1,1,2,5
With the Bats:
2B Callix Crabbe 1x3, 3B, 3RBI, BB
DH Jeff Clement 3x5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
RF Prentice Redman 4x5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers won going away, as Doug Fister tossed 7.0 shutout innings and the Rainiers posted a 5-run third inning. Callix Crabbe (pictured) keyed the third with a three-run triple. DH Jeff Clement collected his 6th extra-base hit in last 4 games w/a pair of doubles and had 2 RBI. Clement is hitting (.464/13x28). Prentice Redman extended his hitting streak to 9 games (17x44/.386); he was 4-for-5 with a double and a HR yesterday. C Adam Moore went 1x3 with a BB; he’s hitting .357 (5x14) over his first four PCL games.
Today’s probable starters:
G#1 - RH Luis Munoz (0-2, 7.82) at Oklahoma City
G#2 - RH Doug Mathis (2-2, 3.76) at Oklahoma City

=> Read more!

After a tough weekend at the plate, third baseman Adrian Beltre is out of the line-up tonight against the Angels. Ronny Cedeno will get the start at third.

Manager Don Wakatmatsu said it will be only one day, but didn't say whether or not Beltre would go back into the clean-up spot when he came back.

“No one cares about this club or works harder than him and I think the last couple of days it is evident by the way he’s going about his at-bats where I think he is trying a little too hard," Wakamatsu said. "We'll use today to let him sit back a little bit and do more work with Alan (Cockrell( and get him back in there (tomorrow). We saw some good things from him on the last road trip and I just felt today would be a good day. He hasn’t had a day off since the end of spring training, plus the injuries he’s had, felt it was good time to just rest his body.”

As for Wakamatsu sitting down and having a meeting with Beltre similar to what he did with Yuni Betancourt and Wlad Balentien, that probably isn't going to happen.

“You have to give him the benefit of the doubt because of his stature," Wakamatsu said. "But it’s also when you get to this point, you talk about on-base percentage and it’s like anybody else, no one is immune to that. If we want to get out of slump, we're going to talk to everybody about the best way to get out of that slump: Early work. Review at-bats."

But Wakamatsu believes this isn't so much physical as mental.

"I think of lot of his struggles right now is about how much he cares and how much pressure he’s putting on himself," he said. "That’s basically the reason for sitting him today.”

I know some people tend to downplay such ideas, but players have pride and they are aware when they struggle and they don't want to be looked as a reason for a team's losses. And oh yeah, Beltre is in a contract year too. That's always some incentive.

It's pretty obvious that Beltre is guessing up there. Wakamatsu can see all the signs in Beltre.

"You see guys where they’ll swing and not maintain their stance and maybe fall across the plate or you’ll see their over-agressiveness, especially in the 3 or 4 hole," Wakamatsu said. "You look at Griffey’s at-bats and he’s selective enough to get on base because of the walks. That’s what is tough, do you want to walk when your average dips below a certain amount. That’s tough, but it starts there. It starts with trying to get on base whatever way you can and the patience obviously helps.”

A few other notes ...
Erik Bedard will start Thursday's game against Joe Saunders (great match-up). ... Carlos Silva had an MRI on his shoulder, but Wakamatsu didn't have the results of it. ... Cesar Jimenez (shoulder) is rehabbing with the Mariners and will stay up with the big club for the rest of the homestand before going out to Arizona. ... Shawn Kelley is ahead of schedule but he's still two or three weeks away from even throwing a ball. But Wakamatsu was still pleased with his progression. ... Ryan Rowland-Smith will throw innings today or tomorrow and then be with the Rainiers for a rehab start on May 23rd.

Mariners
Ichiro RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Wlad Balentien LF
Russell Branyan 1B
Kenji Johjima C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuni Betancourt SS
Ronny Cedeno 3B
-----------
Jarrod Washburn P

Angels
Chone Figgins 3B
Erick Aybar SS
Bobby Abreu LF
Torii Hunter CF
Mike Napoli C
Robb Quinlan DH
Juan Rivera LF
Kendry Morales 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
--------
John Lackey P

To be honest, I don't know if I was happier to see a win, or to see a win that didn't involve extra innings.

If you would have told me the Mariners would take 2 of 3 from the Red Sox while starting to Jakubauskas, Olson and Vargas against Lester, Beckett and Masterson, I would have laughed in your face then called Western State hospital to get you a psych consult.

But the Mariners did it. It wasn't pretty and it took "a gift" as David Aardsma called it from Nick Green (pictured left) to help get the win. To be fair though, Green only gave them a chance the Mariners had to do the rest.

“You have two outs and he airmails it, you can’t mess that up,” Aardsma said. “He gave us the winning run and you have to capitalize on it. Those are things that when we were losing we weren’t capitalizing on, but now we are.”

Green may have airmailed the throw but the official scorer went back and decided to rule it a hit after at first ruling it an error. An error was still charged to Green for allowing the runner to advance to second. Cedeno thought it was hit too (of course he would, but for the record so did I).

“Yeah, I would’ve beaten it out,” he said.

Cedeno was 3-for-4 with a one run scored, an RBI triple and two infield hits, manager Don Wakamatsu said he liked the at-bats he saw from Cedeno. Did you hear that Yuni?

On the negative side, the Mariners still stranded nine runners and Adrian Beltre is really struggling. Before Ken Griffey Jr.'s single in the eighth, Mariners hitters in the No. 3 and 4 spot were hitless on the weekend. That still needs to be addressed.

Still, the mood was pretty positive in the clubhouse after winning the series. The Angels come in tomorrow.

A scheduling note, because John Lackey was tossed after just two pitches on Saturday. He's been moved up in the rotation and will start Monday against Jarrod Washburn.

Here's the pitching match-ups with the Angels.
Monday -- Washburn (3-2, 3.11 ERA) vs. Lackey (0-0, 0.00)
Tuesday -- Felix Hernandez (4-2, 2.53 ERA) vs. Matt Palmer (4-0, 3.38 ERA)
Wednesday -- Chris Jakubauskas (2-4, 7.13 ERA) vs. Ervin Santana (0-0, 5.40 ERA)
Thursday -- TBA for Seattle vs. Joe Saunders (5-2, 3.59 ERA)

Photos from AP

RED SOX NOTES:
• Justin Masterson tied his season-high with 6.1 IP (last: May 6 vs. CLE) and left with the game tied 2-2…Masterson also tied a season-high with 6 strikeouts while not allowing a walk.
• Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single in the 5th…he is batting .344 (21x61) with 3 doubles, one triple, 4 RBI, 6 stolen bases and 8 runs scored over the 13 game span…marks his longest hitting streak on the season and the longest active in the American League.
• J.D. Drew had his 2nd multi-hit game of the series (7th overall) going 2x3 while tying the game in the 4th with a solo home run…his 6th on the year…in his last 9 games against the Mariners Drew is batting .419 (13x31) with 10 runs, a double, triple, 5 home runs, and 8 RBI.
• Reliever Ramon Ramirez took the loss and allowed only his 2nd run of the season...came in to the game with an 0.44 ERA (1 ER, 20.1 IP).
• Boston has lost 4 of their last 5 road games…lost 5 of 7 series on the road this season.
MARINERS NOTES:
• Mariners recorded their 4th walk-off victory of the year (last: May 3 vs. Oakland).
• Seattle's series win was their 6th of the season, but their first since taking 2 of 3 from Oakland, May 1-3.
• Franklin Gutierrez recorded his first career walk-off hit…finished the series 4-for-8 vs. the Red Sox.
• Jason Vargas allowed one earned run in his 2nd consecutive start...as a starter this season has a 1.74 ERA (2 ER,
10.1 IP) and overall is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA (2 ER, 14.0 IP) in 3 games (2 GS, 2 relief).
• Ichiro extended his hitting streak to 11 games going 2-for-4…his 14th multi-hit game of the season…during his current streak, Ichiro is batting .375 (18x48)…has hit in 17 of his last 18 games (.329/27x82).
• Russell Branyan hit his team-leading 9th home run of the year…extended his hitting streak at Safeco Field to 9 games and has hit safely in 10 of 11 home games this year (.341/15x44) with 6 doubles, 4 Home Runs and 7 RBI.
• Ronny Cedeño tripled in the 2nd, scoring Betancourt on the play…was his first triple since Oct. 1, 2006 (w/CHI vs.
COL)…the triple was his 3rd XBH overall on the year (2B, HR)…first multi-hit game of the year, going 3-for-4.
• Seattle relievers (Sean White, Mark Lowe, David Aardsma) combined to toss 3.2 shutout innings today…bullpen did not allow a run in the series vs. the Red Sox (9.2 IP).
• Sean White pitched 1.2 scoreless IP and has 4 consecutive appearances without allowing a run (4.2 IP, 4 SO, 4 BB).
• Today’s game marked the 29th time in 38 games for the M’s this season that have been decided by 3 runs or less…improved to 9-7 in one-run games (tied for AL lead in one-run wins with Texas).
• Rob Johnson left the game after the bottom of the 6th after he was hit by a pitch during a bunt attempt...he was replaced by Kenji Johjima to start the 7th.

Well, it's a beautiful day at Safeco. As I said before, I'm a huge proponent of day baseball.

Jason Vargas gets the start today, I would venture to guess he's on a pitch-limit of 90 pitches or so. Justin Masterson gets the start for Boston. He's a righty who throws a sinker/slider from the 3/4 to nearly sidearm slot. This as you know is not a good combo for the Mariners and their right-handed hitting heavy line-up. Such luminaries as Vicente Padilla, Nick Blackburn, Edwin Jackson, Scott Baker, Brian Bannister have shut down the M's offense.

Top of 1st
Vargas rolls 1-2-3 ...

Bottom of 1st
Ichiro extends his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the first. Gutierrez moves him to second with a sac bunt, but he's stranded. Masterson made Beltre look completely overmatched.

Top of 2nd
Vargas gets into some trouble with a few singles and a booted lead throw on a double play from Yuniesky Betancourt. But somehow he escapes with only giving up one run. Big credit to Jose Lopez who laid out and knocked down Nick Green's single up the middle. By keeping it on the dirt, it prevented a run from scoring.

Bottom of 2nd
Russell Branyan leads off with a moonshot to right for his ninth homer of the season. Yuni later doubles and scores on Ronny Cendeno's triple to left --- M's 2, Sox 1.

Top of 3rd
I know Beltre isn't hitting and I know he's made some errors, but the 5-4-3 double play off the diving stop is just ridiculous.

Bottom of 3rd
not much going for the M's as Beltre strikes out again.

Top of 4th
The often emotionless and engimatic JD Drew rips a deep homer to right off of Vargas on an 88 mph fastball that was left belt high and over the middle of the plate. Tie game at 2-2.

Bottom of 4th
Rob Johnson gets a much-needed hit - even it was a broken bat bloop, and Yuni follows with an infield hit, but not much else.

Top of 5th
Apparently, Jason Vargas is comfortable pitching with bases loaded and no outs, since he works out of the jam by getting Jason Bay to pop up and Mike Lowell to hit in a 6-4-3 DP

Bottom of 5th
Runners on first and second and no outs and the Mariners get 0 runs out of it. Griffey flies out and Beltre hits into a double play.

Top of 6th
A pair of walks sandwiching a strikeout ultimately knocks Vargas from the game, but Sean White comes in and gets Varitek to ground into a 4-6-3 DP.

Bottom of 6th
WEll that was interesting, Rob Johnson bunts the ball off his hand, and Wlad Balentien not seeing any signal from the first base as an out or Johnson run the play all the way out, thinks its a foul ball. So he gets to second starts heading back and realizes what's going on, but by then, it's too late and Jeff Bailey throws to Nick Green who tags Wlad out.

Top of 7th
Other than walk, Sean White looked strong, striking out Jason Bay looking.

Bottom of 7th
Well, it started promising with a hustling infield single from Ronny Cedeno, but Dustin Pedroia makes a nice play to barely get Ichiro and Gutierrrez strikes out.

* Just a random thought here but if Johnson's hand turns out to be bad (Johjima replaced him after the bunt), I don't know that they would call up Clement because of his knee issues. As of 3:27 p.m., he's still in the game in OKC with the Rainiers as the DH. Adam Moore is still catching. I'm guessing they would bring up Jamie Burke again.

UPDATE: 3:31 -- Well, I guess we don't have to worry about that, they just announced that Johnson suffered bruised hand and index finger, and x-rays were negative.

A Sunday morning meeting with the manager can be at times uneventful unless there is a roster move being made or some other pressing news. Today was really no different. Roy Corcoran was throwing a bullpen session and Ryan Rowland-Smith felt good after throwing yesterday.

So what do you talk about? Well, Yuni of course. To be clear, I'm tired of beating the horse on this but if other people throw the first swing, who am I not to get a few cheap shots in it.

It's now been two games since Yuni was sat down in Texas for two straight games. And obviously it's too early to tell if manager Don Wakamatsu's message was delivered. But there are some hints.

In his first game back, Yuni tied a career high (yes a career high) with two walks in a game. He also took 10 straight pitches at one point. He's also hit a home run and a few other balls hard. Let's be clear, did he look like Kevin Youkilis working the count? No. But it was an improvement - not that it was hard to do after his recent run.

So what does Wakamatsu think? Well, he's not exactly ready to call the change permanent.

"I think you have to look at the match-ups too," he said. "Lester's command wasn't as good the day before yesterday which helped in that. But what has impressed me is that yesterday, he did some lay off some pitches in his at-bats."

Wakamatsu knows it a process and it won't happen overnight

"It's just getting him to understand what on-base percentage really means and getting him to put it above batting average," he said. "So I don't know. Obviously he got the message, so we'll see how me moves forward. The fact that he realizes that he has to change because of lack of playing time sends a message."

If Yuni needs an example, he only needs to look across the field. Though Youkilis - dubbed "the Greek God of Walks" in Moneyball - isn't playing, the Red Sox as a team have an approach that Wakamatsu would like to see from his team.

"How much of it is physical and how much is it mental?" Wakamatsu said. "We've talked about that from the beginning of spring training about playing the game with more intelligence. When you have guys like Youkilis and Pedroia it does set the tone."

So since we talked about Yuni with Wak, a few reporters were able to corral him and translator Fernando Alcala to ask him a few questions.

The first was to ask about trying to be more patient.

"I'm giving it a try and seeing how it works out," Betancourt said. "It's still to early tell, but up until now I've been seeing better pitches."

He's giving it a try? Hmm. And the two-day break?

"You just take them as off days and get a chance to recharge and come back stronger," he said.

I asked him if he thought it was a punishment for his approach and he said, "I don't know."

As for seeing better results from the new approach, he seemed to be indifferent.

"I'm going to try it for now, but it's still early," he said. "I don't know how long it's going to take. But it is what's best for the team."

When asked if having Ronny Cedeno on the team, and being a viable option to push him out of playing time, influenced his thinking, Betancourt downplayed it.

"You just have to focus on what you can control and help the team win," he said. "You can't worry about what the other things are, you have to take care of your own business."

As for the conversation with Wakamatsu about his approach, Yuni said it was simple.

"It wasn't a matter of them telling me not to swing, it was them telling me to be more selective in the zone," he said.

I wonder how may times he's heard that before.

And finally the best, question from Gregg Bell of the AP, who asked Yuni if he ever took 10 pitches in a row like he did on Friday?

Yuni smiled, chuckled, shook his head and said, "No, nunca."

Mariners (17-20)
Ichiro RF
Gutierrez CF
Griffey DH
Beltre 3B
Branyan 1B
Balentien LF
Johnson C
Betancourt SS
Cedeno 2B
-----
Vargas, P

Red Sox (22-15)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Jason Bay LF
Mike Lowell 3B
JD Drew RF
Rocco Baldelli DH
Jeff Bailey 1B
Jason Varitek C
Nick Green SS
--------
Justin Masterson P

Ichiro opens the night with a nine-game hitting streak, during which he's batting .385, and needs one double to become the only active player with 200 doubles and 300 stolen bases.

On the other hand, lefty Garrett Olson makes his first start as a Mariner, his first since last September and his seventh career start against Boston.

How's he done? You shouldn't have asked. Against the Sox, Olson is 0-4 with a 7.76 earned run average.

Hmmm.

Buckle up. Play ball.

That was quick

Two quick outs, then Olson walked left-handed hitting J.D. Drew to bring up right-handed hitting cleanup man Jason Bay.

Bad move.

Bay hit the first pitch he saw over the left field wall for his 11th home run and a two-run lead.

So the Mariners have work to do already.

In the first: Red Sox 2, Mariners 0

That was quick II
Olson walked Julio Lugo, then gave up a home run much like Bay's to Jason Varitek.

For Varitek, who had only one suitor all winter - the Red Sox - the home run was his fifth and gave him 15 RBI.

For the second night in a row, Boston is out to a four run lead.

In the second: Red Sox 4, Mariners 0

Yuni strikes back

Using the drill he'd practiced hours earlier, Wladimir Balentien singled to right field, taking the pitch the other way. One out later, Yuniesky Betancourt worked the count, got a 95 mph fastball inside and hit it into the Mariners bullpen for his second home run.

Benching seems to have agreed with Yuni's game.

After two: Red Sox 4, Mariners 2

Mariners coming back

Yes, they're at it again. Beltre was safe at first on an error and Russell Branyan doubled him home - with Branyan taking third on the throw to the plate.

No one out, the Red Sox played the infield in and got ground ball outs from Balentien and Kenji Johjima.

On a full count - Yuni took pitches! - Betancourt drew his third walk in two nights. Chavez lined out.

After four: Red Sox 4, Mariners 3
Oops

Olson left a pitch up to No. 9 hitter Jeff Bailey, who was batting .159 at that moment, and Bailey made it his second home run of the season.

In the fifth: Red Sox 5, Mariners 3

A word about the pitching

Beckett went seven gritty innings and is line for the win, but the Mariners have to thank Mr. Olson for his efforts.

The 25-year-old had pitched two innings since May 6, then went six innings on 93 pitches tonight.

No, he wasn't All-Star caliber, but he allowed four hits - three of them home runs - and four walks.

Given regular work, who knows? But tonight, filling in for Erik the Bedard, he gave Seattle as much as it could have hoped.

Miguel Batista has worked two innings in relief, and gotten two double plays.

After eight: Red Sox 5, Mariners 3

That's a final

Another entertaining game, and one the Mariners had a chance to win but ...

Ah,those buts.

In the ninth inning against Jonathon Papelbon, Seattle sent up Kenji Johjima, Yuniesky the New Betancourt and Endy Chavez.

Out, out, single.

With Chavez at first, the last chance came down to Ichiro, who earlier had extended his hitting streak to 10 consecutice games.

Chavez took second base on indifference. Ichiro grounded out.

Final score: Red Sox 5, Mariners 3

Batting coach Alan Cockrell is running a drill on hitting to the opposite field, fand Wladimir Balentien, Endy Chavez, Franklin Gutierrez, Ronny Cedeno, Yuniesky Betancourt and Rob Johnson are taking part in it.

The drill is simple. Cockrell stands to the side of the batting cage and flips a ball toward the hitter, who is facing his opposite field. His job? Line it to that field.

They've been going for 20 minutes and show no sign of stopping.

Meanwhile, here's the lineup vs. RHP Josh Beckett:

Ichiro RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Russell Branyan 1B
Balentien LF
Kenji Johjima C
Betancourt SS
Chavez CF
Garrett Olson LHP

BOX SCORE

Here's Larry's story

Here's my story on Jon Lester's return to the Northwest. He was quite blunt about the botched double play and very frustrated with his recent outings of late.

Obviously, Ichiro's multi-homer game was the big news. It was the fourth time in his career he'd done that and first since July 30, 2005.

As usual Ichiro downplayed the situation here's some of the quotes from his postgame meeting with reporters ...

"No, I'm not Sadaharu Oh. I can't have the ability to do that," he said when asked if he can hit home runs when he wants to.

Here's some more ...
"Who knows? It kind of proves that in the universe, mysterious things happen," he said through an interpreter. "It shows that, really, two mysterious things happened in the universe today."

Always interesting that Ichiro.

Red Sox notes:
• Jon Lester left the game trailing after allowing 4 runs in the 6th inning...it was the 3rd time in 4 lifetime appearances against Seattle that he has allowed at least 4 runs in less than 6.0 innings pitched...Boston has now lost 3 of Lester's4 starts against the Mariners and he is 1-1, 5.25 ERA (14 ER, 24.0 IP) in 4 lifetime starts.
• Jacoby Ellsbury collected a double, triple and single in his first three at-bats...needing only a home run to complete the cycle, he flied out to center field in the 6th inning and grounded to first in the 9th...it would have been the 20th cycle in Boston Red Sox history (last: John Valentin, June 6, 1996)…Ellsbury also extended his hitting streak to 11 games, the 3rd longest streak of his career (career high: 18, in 2008) and the longest active streak in the American
• League…during the streak is batting .373 (19x51) with 3 doubles, a triple, 4 RBI, 8 runs, 3 walks and 6 stolen bases.
• Jason Bay drew a career-high tying 3 walks in today’s game, 18th time in his career (last: 4/3/08 at ATL).
MARINERS NOTES:
• Seattle came back from a 4-0 deficit to win today…it was their 9th come-from-behind victory of the season.
• Seattle snapped a 5-game losing streak to Boston dating back to June 7, 2008 at Boston…despite the losing streak,
• Seattle has won 12 of their last 18 games against the Red Sox at Safeco Field.
• Ichiro homered twice, a solo home run in the 5th, and a go ahead 2-run home run in the 6th inning...it was his 4th career multi-home run game (last: 7/30/05 vs. CLE)…was the first time in his career to home in consecutive innings.
• Starter Chris Jakubauskas recorded his first career win as a starter in his first career appearance against the Red Sox…and snapped a personal 4-game losing streak...it was his 2nd quality start of the season (last: 4/28 at CWS).
• Starting the game with a lead off single, Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak to a season-high 9 games…during the streak he is batting .385 (15x39) with 4 runs, a double, 2 home runs and 3 RBI.
• David Aardsma earned his 4th save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning...he has not allowed a run in 15 of his 17 appearances this season including his last 7 games (7.1 IP)...he lowered his ERA to 1.53 (3 ER, 17.2 IP) which ranks 1st amongst Mariners relievers and is also amongst the American League leaders.
• Franklin Gutierrez's 2-run single in the 6th inning snapped an 0x10 with runners in scoring position to start the game.
• Russell Branyan went 3x4 with a double and a run scored...his 3rd 3-hit game of season, his 8th multi-hit game of the year... has 7-game hit streak at Safeco Field, batting .370 (10x27) with 6 runs, 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 5 RBI.
• Wladimir Balentien doubled to lead off the 4th inning of the game and has now had 6 multi-hit games in his 16 starts this season…has recorded a double in 3 consecutive games and in 6 of his last 9 games.
• Yuniesky Betancourt tied career-high by drawing walks in first 2 at-bats, 5th time in career (last: 8/23/08 vs. OAK).
• Seattle scored 5 runs for the 4th time in the last 6 games after scoring 2 runs or less in 4 straight games.

Sorry I got to this so late ...

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here’s Mike Curto’s game story
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Andrew Baldwin (L,2-2) 5.2,12,6,6,0,3,4HR
RH Brodie Downs 2.1,3,2,2,0,2
With the Bats:
LF Michael Saunders 3x5, R, 2B, K
DH Jeff Clement 2x4, 2B, BB
3B Chris Shelton 2x4, R
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers lost their 2nd in a row to New Orleans despite solid performances at the plate. Andrew Baldwin allowed a season high 6 runs including 4 home runs. DH Jeff Clement is starting to heat up; he collected his 4th extra-base hit in last 3 games with a double off the right field wall and during those games is batting (.462/6x13). Chris Shelton extended his hitting streak to 5 games (8x20/.400) and has recorded multi-hit efforts in 8 of his last 18 games. LF Michael Saunders tied a season-high with 3 hits. Recently promoted C Adam Moore went 1x3 with a BB and threw out 1 of 2 attempted base stealers. Over his last 10 games, Bryan LaHair is hitting .333 (12x36) with 8 runs, 4 home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBI. Prentice Redman and LaHair both rank 5th in the PCL with 9 home runs. Mike Carp ranks 9th in league with 19 walks.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Josh Hall (0-0, 4.15) at New Orleans

=> Read more!

Larry the Cable Guy is gone, and it didn't look like his bat would have helped the Seattle offense.

What will?

Well, Wladimir Balentien is batting fifth for the first time this season, Yuniesky Betancourt is back at shortstop - and he's batting .571 against Jon Lester.

Now, if Chris Jakubauskas can hold Boston.

We'll find out.

That's not fair

The Red Sox offense is a formidible one, but here in the first inning it was also a lucky one - unfortunate for Jakubauskas.
Jacoby Ellsbury doubled, but Dustin Pedroia, fooled by a pitch, rolled to third and advanced the runner. Jakubauska then shattered J.D. Drew's bat, but he blooped a single into shallow left field for a run.

Jakubauskas got out of the inning without futher damage.

One hard-hit ball, one run.

Red Sox 1, Mariners 0

That's two

Jeff Baily singled and when Jakubauskas centered a fastball, Ellsbury hammered it for an RBI triple.

It was a mistake pitch, and the Red Sox feast upon them.

In the second: Red Sox 2, Mariners 0

That's four - as in E-4

Red Sox loaded the bases with one out an Jakubauskas nearly got out of it. Nearly.

He got a ground ball from Julio Lugo, but after taking Adrian Beltre's throw at second, Jose Lopez threw low to first, skipping it by Russell Branyan.

Instead of an inning-ending double play, two more runs scored.

Boston is slip-sliding away.

After three: Red Sox 4, Mariners 0

That's one back

The Mariners have been squandering opportunities tonight - or Lester has been making them.

Leading off the fifth, however, Ichiro hit is third home run of the season to get Seattle off its big zero.

To this point, the biggest surprise of the game is Yuni, who has walked twice.

Let's see, that was two walks in his first 33 games, then two more in four innings of his 34th game.

After five: Red Sox 4, Mariners 1

Now that's a rally

Weird, weird inning, but Mariners scored twice on a Franklin Gutierrez two-run single, then Ichiro's second home run of the nightscored two more and put the Mariners ahead, 5-4.

Why weird?

With one out, Betancourt tapped back to the mound. Lester fielded it and looked at second, where Pedroia was waiting for the throw.

Instead of throwing it to start the double play, Lester turned to first and threw out Betancourt. All the run-scoring followed that play.

Sean White now pitching for Seattle.

After six: Mariners 5, Red Sox 4
That'll work, boys

White worked a scoreless seventh. Mark Lowe - hitting 98 mph with his fastball - took care of the eighth.

David Aardsma got through the ninth for his fourth save of the season, and the Mariners improbably beat the Red Sox.

Final score: Mariners 5, Red Sox 4

Ok, first of all, you'll notice that Larry the Cable Guy is here taking BP with the Mariners in full uniform, well his jersey had the sleeves cut off and by Junior and Mike Sweeney. Larry then scared everybody by putting it on the clubhouse. I've now seen him shirtless and may need electroshock therapy to remove that from my mind.

I will admit, he's not exactly my favorite stand-up comic. I'm prefer Louis CK, Robert Schimmel, Jim Jeffries or Zach Galifianakis.

But several Red Sox and Mariners players are big fans of his. Obviously when he met Roy Corcoran (pictured left), it was like two long lost brothers uniting.

Let's get to the Wakamatsu pregame meeting with the media.

The big news is that Brandon Morrow won't be handling the closing duties tonight.

"I talked to Brandon today, and told him what we are going to do with him is put him in the bullpen, not in the closer's role, but give him some innings and get him to where he feels he can command the baseball better," Wakamatsu said.

So who will be doing the closing?

Well .... "We're going to end up seeing on each individual game who's best avaible to close the game," Wakamatsu said. "Obviously Aardsma will be in there."

That sounds like the dreaded closer by committee to me. But at this point, that's what they feel is best, though my hunch is that nine times out of 10 you will see Aardsma in that role.

And there is no timetable for Morrow to return to the closing spot as of yet.

"We've basically told him if he goes out there and commands the baseball he's going to be successful and that will give us an indication of what that (return to closing) will be," Wakamatsu said.

"He knows its more about throwing the pitch where he wants to throw it and not falling behind and when he does that the confidence will come back," Wakamatsu said. "He seemed relieved in a sense. But he also knows he as some work to do."

The idea is get Morrow so more innings ... "whether its the fifth, sixth or seventh or multiple innings, let's get him out there pitching."

As for Yuni and his return to the line-up here's what Wak had to say.

"There's certain things in his game that he needs to clean up and improve on," Wakamatsu said.

And he isn't going to afraid to sit players, he told them so in a pregame meeting today.

"I'll sit guys at different times whether you are not playing to your ability or you need a break because of struggles," Wakamatsu said. "I think in his case it was a combination of both."

And make no mistake it was a benching for Yuni. Wakamatsu and his staff didn't let him know in advance he was sitting. When he got to the park both days and looked at the lineup is when he found out he wasn't playing and believe me that does send a message by doing it that way.

Here's Today's lineup -- thanks to Jeff Evans for sending it. You'll notice in the Red Sox lineup that David Ortiz is also not in the line-up, manager Terry Francona is giving him a day or two off because of his struggles at the plate.

Mariners
Ichiro RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Mike Sweeney DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Russell Branyan 1B
Kenji Johjima C
Yuni Betancourt SS
Frankline Gutierrez CF
----------
Chris Jakubauskas P

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
JD Drew RF
Jason Bay LF
Mike Lowell 3B
Rocco Baldelli DH
Julio Lugo SS
Jason Varitek C
Jeff Bailey 1B
------
Jon Lester P

Rainiers' third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has yet to play a game at third base this season because of an aching throwing elbow. And what was first thought to be tendinitis is now something more serious. Just today, I heard some whispers that Tuiasosopo may need season-ending surgery.

However, a quick call to Mariners' director of minor league operations Pedro Grifol cleared up some of the rumors.

Grifol confirmed that Tuiasosopo's elbow issues are something "more serious than tendinitis." But he wasn't allowed to go into further detail. However, he did say that Tuiasosopo was meeting with Mariners team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Khalfayan today and within the next 24 hours, we'll know more about what will happen with Tuaisosopo next.

It's never good when a player visits an orthopedic surgeon, but Grifol said that the injury didn't seem to be serious enough where it would keep Tuiasosopo from playing this season or hindering his progress as a player.

The pain in the elbow started in spring training and carried over into the season. Tuiasosopo never played a game at third during his brief stint with the Mariners to start the season and when he returned to the Rainiers, he DH'd only until being placed on the disabled list.

So there's that. I guess we may know more tomorrow. I'll try and talk to GM Jack Zduriencik about Tuiasosopo as well as the situation with Jeff Clement and Adam Moore, which was mentioned earlier in the day.

Here's the minor league report ...

Yesterday’s Results --- Standings -- Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma 3, at New Orleans 4 --- 17-16, 3rd, -4.0 --- L-L. Muñoz (0-2)
West Tenn 2, at Tennessee 3 --- 12-18, 4th, -3.5 --- L-S. Bray (0-1)
High Desert 7, at Rancho Cucamonga 3 --- 23-10, 1st, +5.0 --- W-D. Hume (3-1)
Beloit 5, at Clinton 2 --- 18-13, 2nd, -2.0 --- L-W. Suriel (0-3)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Chris Seddon 3.0,5,3,3,1,1
RH Luis Muñoz (L, 0-2) 5.0,5,1,1,1,3
With the Bats:
3B Chris Shelton 2x4, HR, R, 2 RBI, K
DH Jeff Clement 1x4, HR, R, RBI, K
SS Mike Morse 1x3, BB, K
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers 4-game winning streak was snapped by the Zephyrs despite a solid relief appearance by Luis Muñoz who tossed 5.0 innings of 1-run ball. DH Jeff Clement homered for the 2nd straight day in the first inning, his 6th of the year. Chris Shelton also homered, his 4th extra-base hit during 4-game hit streak (6x16/.375) and has recorded multi-hit efforts in 8 of his last 17 games. Starter Chris Seddon had his shortest start of the year, tossing only 3.0 innings. OF Jerry Owens went 0x4 for the second straight game following a 5-game hitting streak that included 4 multihit games. Over his last 9 games, Bryan LaHair is hitting .375 (12x32) with 8 runs, 4 home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBI. Prentice Redman and LaHair both rank 4th in the PCL with 9 home runs. Mike Carp ranks 7th in league with 19 walks.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Andrew Baldwin (2-1, 2.41) at New Orleans

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Daniel Christensen 6.0,6,2,2,2,3
RH Steve Bray (L, 0-1) 1.2,0,1,1,2,3
LH Nicholas Hill 0.1,1,0,0,0,0
With the Bats
LF Brent Johnson 2x3, 2B, RBI
CF Ezequiel Carrera 0x2, R, 3 BB, 2 K
DH Thomas Hubbard 1x3, RBI, BB
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx lost a close game, giving up the winning run in the 8th inning when Jim Adduci plated his 3rd run of the game for the Smokies. Starter Daniel Christensen tossed a season-high 6.0 innings and has allowed only 3 earned runs over his last two starts (10.1 IP) for a 2.61 ERA. Brent Johnson went 2x3 with a double and an RBI, his first multi-hit game since April 20 and his 2nd double of the year. Johan Limonta went 1x3 with a walk and now has a season-high 4-game hitting streak (.462/6x13). CF Ezequiel Carrera was 0-for-2 but recorded a season high 3 walks (27 BB, 21 K) and has reached base in 28 of his last 29 games (.330, 35x106/.470 OBP). Carrera currently ranks T9th in the Southern League batting race. Mangini has hit safely in 13 of his last 16, batting .328 (20x61) with 6 runs, 4 extra-base hits, 12 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads Southern league in RBI (28), 2nd in home runs (10).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Ryan Patrick (1-2, 9.00) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Donald Hume (W, 3-1) 5.0,7,1,1,2,2,HR
LH Edward Paredes 2.0,1,0,0,0,0
RH Juan Zapata 1.0,3,2,2,0,0
RH Steven Richard 1.0,0,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
DH Carlos Peguero 2x4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
C Travis Scott 1x4, HR, R, RBI, K
3B Alex Liddi 2x4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks used a 3-run rally in the 4th innin to take the lead for good over the Quakes as Ian Bladergroen’s RBI groundout was followed by a two-run double to center field by Alex Liddi. High Desert has not lost a series this season and leads the California League South Division by 5.0 games. Starter Donald Hume has only allowed 3 earned runs in his last two starts on the road (13.2 IP). Juan Zapata allowed 2 runs in the 8th but the Mavs put the game away in the 9th with home runs from Travis Scott and Carlos Peguero. Peguero also homered in the 7th inning, marking his first multi-homer game of the season. OF Tyson Gillies currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.373/3rd), OF Joe Dunigan (.356/7th) and Diaz (.349/8th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, Seattle 5th round selection in 2007, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (36) and slugging (.742). He leads all minor leaguers with 26 extra base hits. Mavs lead league batting .307 overall with league-best 51 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Nathan Adcock (3-2, 3.71) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
GAME STORY
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Walter Suriel (L, 0-3) 5.0,4,3,3,3,4
RH Chris Kirkland 4.0,3,2,2,2,2,HR
With the Bats:
RF Denny Almonte 1x4, HR, R, 2 RBI
CF Maximo Mendez 2x4, R, 2B, 3B, K
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings game was delayed by rain in the 6th inning, when play resumed, Beloit took the lead on a Nathan Hanson 2-run homer off reliever Chris Kirkland. Clinton briefly took the lead in the 3rd with a solo homer from Denny Almonte. Maximo Mendez collected a double and a triple but on the double was thrown out trying to stretch it at third, Almonte followed with homer. Kirkland tossed 4.0 innings, his 2nd straight outing of at least 3.0 innings. OF Denny Almonte has hit safely in 25 of 29 games this season (.292) and ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 8 home runs. OF Maximo Mendez ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 14 stolen bases. RH Brett Lorin makes 7th start of season today and has thrown at least 5.0 innings in each start (34 K, 6 BB in 36.0 IP).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Brett Lorin (3-0, 1.00) vs. Beloit

Thanks to my clandestine Rainiers source, I've found out that catcher Adam Moore has been called up to Triple A Tacoma and will be in tonight's line-up in New Orleans tonight. Catcher Guillermo Quiroz was sent down to Double A West Tenn.

What does this mean for Jeff Clement, who homered in back to back games last night? Well, he's been bothered by achy left knee - the one he had surgically repaired - and he's going to DH for the time being until the knee gets healthy.

I'll post the minor league report later this afternoon after the game.

There probably are no 'must win' games in May, but without one today the Seattle Mariners will post a 1-7 record on this trip - among the worst trips in club history.

That's something they don't need to deal with, especially with three games against Boston awaiting them at home.

It's also a chance to gain a game in the standings on the first-place Rangers.

It's Felix vs. Texas. And we're off.

Felix is working hard

Two innings, in and Hernandez has labored to get six outs. It's taken him 42 pitches to do so, and in 80-degree temperatures - and against Texas hitters - that's going to take a toll.

Pitch counts aren't tell alls, but they're like body punches in boxing. Take enough of them and in the late rounds you've got nothing left and you're vulnerable.

Felix has sigven up only one hit, walked two. So far, however, nothing is coming easily.

In the third: no score.

Mariners break through

Jose Lopez singled and with one out, went to third on Adrian Beltre's double. Russell Branyan pushed home his 17th RBI with a ground ball, and Wladimir Balentien's double got Beltre in.

Felix has a lead.

In the fourth: Mariners 2, Rangers 0
Ace this

Hernandez has gone six innings, and retired 16 of the last 18 Rangers he's faced.
He's doing what aces do - getting stronger as the game goes on, making a small lead seem larger.

In the seventh: Mariners 2, Rangers 0

To the bullpen

After 110 pitches, Felix is gone. David Aardsma, who worked two innings Wednesday, has the eighth inning and Brandon Morrow will almost certainly get the ninth.

Mariners baseball: It's always interesting.

For the three-game series against Boston at Safeco Field that starts Friday, the Mariners rotation sandwiched Chris Jakubauskas and Jason Vargas around Erik Bedard.

Now Bedard will likely be skipped because of a tender hamstring - and replaced for one turn by Garrett Olson.

The Red Sox offense, then, faces three guys who began the '09 season in the Seattle bullpen - or Tacoma.

The team hopes Bedard bounces back in time for his next start, and the bullpen will be a bit short since long relievers Vargas and Olson are now starters.

Boston, by the way, will counter with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Justin Masterson.

Jarrod Washburn is off to a better start than his 3-2 record indicates, and one of the statistics that bears that out is this one:

Washburn ranks third in the American League in opponents batting average with runners in scoring position - holding the opposition to a .115 average.

The only starter with a lower number is Kansas City phenom Zach Greinke (.083).

He may want to employ his sinker more than usual tonight, because fly balls here are likely to get blown to Fort Worth. Flags are literally stiff in a swirling wind that, in batting practice, seemed to carry out to all fields. Go figure.

The Mariners would also benefit from a good defensive effort. They're 11-7 in errorless games, just 5-10 when they commit an error.

It's a chance to get back to .500. And we're off.

Hey - it's a lead!

Adrian Beltre led off the second inning with an opposite field home run, and the Mariners scored first for the first time since May 5.

As amazing, it lasted beyond the bottom half of the inning.

In the third: Mariners 1, Rangers 0

Mariners long ball

Two outs into the fourth inning, Kenji Johjima hit No. 2 with a runner aboard, and handed Washburn a 3-0 lead.

Yes, he appears giddy.

No, it's not necessarily enough. Not in this park, against this team, in this wind.

In the fourth: Mariners 3, Rangers 0

Here comes Texas

The last thing Washburn wanted to do with a three-run lead was walk anyone, so in the fourth inning he walks two Rangers and set himself up for trouble.

He got out of it pretty cheaply, allowing one run and getting the final two outs with the bases loaded.

After four: Mariners 3, Rangers 1

That would be gone

Ian Kinsler walked, and one out later Washburn threw an off-speed pitch that Josh Hamilton sped up - going the other way.

Estimated at 403 feet, the home run hit the scoreboard on the front of the second deck in right field and, oh yes, tied the score.
Home runs happen. So far, the walks have cost Washburn more.

After five: Mariners 3, Rangers 3

That would be gone, too

Russell Branyan did his Paul Bunyan thing to a Brandon McCarthy fastball, hitting it out to straightaway center field.

It was Branyan's eighth of the season - or five more than any other Mariner.
In the sixth: Mariners 4, Rangers 3

The Rangers come back ... again

Washburn may have been pitching on fumes, using his 110th pitch to close out the sixth inning with a man on third base.

That man, Elvis Andrus, had tripled home the tying run, but Washburn gamely held it there.

Now, he's done for the night, and unless the Mariners score quickly, he'll have nothing to do with the decision.

After six: Mariners 4, Rangers 4

The lucky 11th

A Texas error put Adrian Beltre aboard in the 11th inning, Branyan bunted him to second base and Wladimir Balentien drove a double down the right field foul line to put the Mariners ahead.

Ball game? Not so fast.

Closer Brandon Morrow gave up a single and a walk before getting an out. Hank Blalock doubled and there it was, a walk off win for Texas.

Final score: Rangers 6, Mariners 5

Yesterday’s Results, Standings, Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma 9, at New Orleans 7 17-15, 3rd, -3.0 W-Steve Shell (1-0)/SV-R. Messenger (5)
West Tenn 1, at Tennessee 0 12-17, 3rd, -3.5 W-M. Rivera (3-2)
High Desert 6, at Rancho Cucamonga 4 22-10, 1st, +4.0 W-M. Pineda (4-1)/SV-P. Aumont (6)
Beloit 3, at Clinton 2 18-12, 2nd, -1.5 L-K. Kasparek (1-3)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)

Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE
Tacoma 9 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
New Orleans 7 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Doug Fister 4.0,9,4,4,0,3
RH Steve Shell (W, 1-0) 2.0,2,1,1,0,2,HR
LH Justin Thomas 2.0,4,2,2,3,0
RH Randy Messenger (SV, 5) 1.0,0,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
LF Bryan LaHair (pictured) 3x5, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, K
DH Jeff Clement 3x5, HR, 2B, R, 2 RBI, K
SS Mike Morse 2x4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, K
RF Prentice Redman 2x6, 2 2B, R
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers continued their hot streak, winning their season high 4th straight game and 6th over the last 7 days, with a 9-7 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs. DH Jeff Clement got the Rainiers started with a 2-run homer in the first inning. In the third, Mike Morse and Bryan LaHair hit back-to-back homers and
LaHair added another in the sixth; it was his 2nd multi-homer game of the season. LaHair is now tied for 4th in the PCL with 9 home runs. Starter Doug Fister made his 2nd start of the season and tossed a season high 4.0 innings, leaving the game with a lead. Reliever Steve Shell (1-0) earned his first win for the Rainiers with 2.0 innings. Randy Messenger recorded his 5th save of the season and has not allowed a run in his last 6 appearances (6.2 IP).
Today’s probable starter:
LH Chris Seddon (1-2, 6.53) at New Orleans

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)

BOX SCORE
West Tenn 1 run, 6 hits, 2 errors
Tennessee 0 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Kyle Parker (pictured) 7.0,3,0,0,3,3
RH Mumba Rivera (W, 3-2) 2.0,0,0,0,2,1
With the Bats:
DH Johan Limonta 2x3, 2B, BB
2B Jeff Dominguez 1x4, RBI, K
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx won their 2nd in a row after dropping 5-straight with a 1-0 win over the Tennessee Smokies. West Tenn. was held to only 6 hits but their pitching was even better, tossing a 3- hit shutout. Starter Kyle Parker tossed a season high 7.0 shutout innings and Mumba Rivera tossed 2.0 innings for the win, his 3rd straight appearance of at least 2.0 innings and 5th time in his last 7 games. The game was scoreless until the 9th when Matt Mangini and Johan Limonta started with single. Following a sacrifice by Leury Bonilla, Jeff Dominguez singled in the winning run. CF Ezequiel Carrera was 1-for-4 and has reached base in 27 of his last 28 games (.337, 35x104). Carrera currently ranks T8th in the Southern League batting race. Mangini has hit safely in 13 of his last 15, batting .351 (20x57) with 6 runs, 4 extra-base hits, 12 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads Southern league in home runs (10), RBI (28).
Today’s probable starter:
LH Danny Christensen (0-1, 8.59) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)

BOX SCORE
NOTES: Michael Pineda returns after a stint on the DL with a strong outing.
High Desert 6 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
Rancho 4 runs, 8 hits, 4 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH J.C. Ramirez 5.0,6,4,4,3,1
RH Michael Pineda (pictured)(W, 4-1) 2.0,1,0,0,0,0
LH Travis Mortimore 1.0,1,0,0,0,0
RH Phillippe Aumont (SV, 6) 1.0,0,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
1B Ian Bladergroen 1x3, R, 2 RBI, BB
3B Alex Liddi 1x5, 2 RBI
2B Edilio Colina 2x4, R
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks won in come-from-behind fashion over Rancho Cucamonga with 3 runs in the 7th on a leadoff triple by Carlos Peguero, an RBI single from James McOwen and a 2-run single from Alex Liddi. High Desert has not lost a series this season and leads the California League South Division by 4.0 games. SS Juan Diaz went 0x3 and had his career-high 11-game hitting streak snapped. OF Tyson Gillies currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.369/5th), Diaz (.362/7th) and OF Joe Dunigan (.359/8th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, Seattle 5th round selection in 2007, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (35) and slugging (.758). He leads all minor leaguers with 26 extra base hits. RH Phillippe Aumont is 0-1 with a 0.57 ERA (1 ER, 15.2 IP) in 15 relief appearances including 6- for-6 in save opportunities. Mavs lead league batting .309 overall with league-best 48 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
LH Donnie Hume (2-1, 6.00) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
Game story from Clinton Herald
BOX SCORE
Beloit 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
Clinton 2 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Kenn Kasparek (L, 1-3) 5.2,4,3,1,2,4
LH Bobby LaFromboise 1.0,1,0,0,1,0
RH Blake Nation 2.1,3,0,0,1,4
With the Bats:
DH Mario Martinez 2x4, HR, RBI, R, 2K
3B Nate Tenbrink 2x3, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB, K
CF Maximo Mendez 1x3, R, 3B, K
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings opened a 4-game series against Beloit with a loss. All of the scoring came in the first two innings as Maximo Mendez and Nate Tenbrink both tripled in the 1st and Mario Martinez homered in the 2nd. Starter Kenn Kasparek allowed only 1 ER in 5.2 IP and Bobby LaFromboise and Black Nation tossed 3.1 ShO innings in relief. OF Denny Almonte has hit safely in 24 of 28 games this season (.293) and ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 7 home runs. OF Maximo Mendez is 2nd in the league with 14 stolen bases.
Today’s probable starter:
TBA vs. Beloit

Don Wakamatsu promised a few changes - he doesn't have the roster to make many more - and he's delivered today.

Ronny Cedeno is the shortstop, and Yuniesky Betancourt is not.

Wladimir Balentien is the left fielder, and Endy Chavez is not.

And, before long, Rob Johnson may be starting more games at catcher than Kenji Johjima.

If Mike Sweeney's back was better, if he wasn't a health risk to play the field, he might be the first baseman in place of Russell Branyan.

The thinking is clear on all this. The status quo is changing, and if the Mariners have more talent ready on the farm, it's likely to filter up as soon as roster space becomes available.

Simply put: the Mariners staff expects maximum effort and focus, and they're not getting it.

They're not getting it in the heart of the lineup, either - so expect that to change, too.

While we await details, any suggestions?

Sanchez Wins Midwest League Player of the Week
Clinton first baseman Kris Sanchez has been named the Midwest League's Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending May 9. Sanchez, who signed with the Mariners as a non-drafted free agent in 2007 out of the University of Hawai’i, was called up to the LumberKings from extended Spring Training last Tuesday. He hit .563 (9x16) during the week, including 3 home runs and 6 RBI. He has hit in all five games since joining the Lumberkings.

Yesterday’s Results, Standings, Winner/Loser/Save
at Tacoma 6, Colorado Springs 2 16-15, 3rd, -3.0 W-G. Hernandez (2-2)
West Tenn 4, at Tennessee 3 (13 innings) 11-17, 3rd, -4.5 W-A. Vavaro (1-0)/S-Vega (1)
High Desert (Off Day) 21-10, 1st, +4.0 - - -
Clinton (Off Day 18-11, 2nd, -0.5 - - -

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here's my game story from Monday's game where Prentice Redman hit two homers, also Jeff Clement's surgically repaired left knee is acting up a little.
BOX SCORE
Colorado Springs 2 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Tacoma 6 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Gaby Hernandez (W, 2-2) 5.1,4,2,2,1,5,HR
RH Jared Wells 1.2,1,0,0,0,2
RH Eric Hull 2.0,3,0,0,0,2
With the Bats:
RF Prentice Redman 3x4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
SS Chris Woodward 3x3, 2 R
C Jamie Burke 2x4, 2B, 3 RBI
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers continued their hot streak, winning their 3rd straight game and 5th over the last 6 days, with a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. RF Prentice Redman went 3- for-4 with a pair of solo home runs to lead Tacoma at the plate. He gave the Rainiers a 1-0 lead in the first inning with a solo homer to right field and led off the 3rd with a solo shot to left field for his 2nd multi-homer game of the season. Starting pitcher Gaby Hernandez (2-2) earned the win allowing 4 hits and 2 runs in 5.1 innings. Over his last 2 starts, Hernandez is 2-0 with a 3.48 ERA (4 ER, 10.1 IP). Right-handers Jared Wells (1.2 IP) and Eric Hull (2.0 IP) closed out the win with scoreless relief efforts. SS Chris Woodward tied his season-high with 3 hits, extending his hitting streak to 3 games (.583/7x12). C Jamie Burke went 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, and is batting.462 (6x13) with 6 RBI in 4 games with the Rainiers.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Doug Fister (0-0, 3.65) at New Orleans

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
BOX SCORE
West Tenn 4 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
Tennessee 3 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Steven Hensley 6.0,8,3,3,1,4
RH Steve Bray 2.0,1,0,0,0,1
LH Nick Hill 0.2,1,0,0,0,0
RH Anthony Varvaro (W, 1-0) 3.1,0,0,0,3,2
RH Marwin Vega (S, 1) 1.0,2,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
LF Mel Stocker 2x4, 3B, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB
C Adam Moore 2x6, 2B, 2 RBI
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx snapped a 5-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Tennessee Smokies in 13 innings. 3B Matt Mangini singled in the game-winner with 2 outs in the top of the 13th inning. RHP Anthony Varvaro (1-0) earned the win, throwing 3.1 innings of hitless and scoreless relief. The Diamond Jaxx bullpen combined for 7.0 shutout innings. LF Mel Stocker went 2-for-4 with a triple and home run and CF Ezequiel Carrera was 2-for-6 and has reached base in 26 of his last 27 games (.340, 34x100). Carrera currently ranks T8th in the Southern League batting race. Mangini has hit safely in 12 of his last 14, batting .352 (19x54) with 5 runs scored, 4 extra-base hits and 12 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads the Southern league in home runs (10) and RBI (28).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kyle Parker (1-1, 5.40) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
Off Day
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks took yesterday off and begin a three-game series against Rancho Cucamonga tonight. High Desert has not lost a series this season and leads the California League South Division by 4.0 games. SS Juan Diaz has recorded 4 consecutive multi-hit games and is riding a career-high 11-game hitting streak. OF Tyson Gillies currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.376/4th), Diaz (.373/5th) and OF Joe Dunigan(.371/T6th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, the Mariners 5th round selection in 2007 out of the University of Oklahoma, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (34) and slugging (.782). He leads all minor leaguers with 26 extra base hits. RH Phillippe Aumont is 0-1 with a 0.61 ERA (1 ER, 14.2 IP) in 14 relief appearances. The Mariners first-round draft pick in 2007 is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and is averaging 7.36 K/9.0 IP. The Mavs lead the league batting .312 overall with a league-best 48 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Juan Ramirez (2-1, 4.55) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
Off Day
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings took a much-needed off day yesterday after playing into extra innings in 3 of their last 4 games. Clinton opens a four-game series vs. Beloit tonight at Alliant Energy Field. OF Denny Almonte has hit safely in 23 of 27 games this season (.295) and ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 7 home runs. OF Maximo Mendez leads the league and T10th among all minor leaguers with 14 stolen bases. RH Brett Lorin, Thursday’s scheduled starter, is 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA (4 ER, 36.0 IP) in 6 starts.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kenn Kasparek (1-2, 4.87) vs. Beloit

Ichiro loves facing Texas, sporting a .334 career average against the Rangers, and Jason Vargas wouldn't mind a big night from his right fielder.

There may be tougher parks to make your debut with a team, but this one ranks up there with any - and Vargas has never thrown a pitch here.

Baptism by fire. And we're off.

So, you want to play THAT way

Vargas is holding his own, giving up a handful of long fly balls but keeping the Rangers in the ballpark so far.

The Marinres might have gotten him a run in the fourth, but after Ken Griffey Jr. singled, Adrian Beltre hit a shot toward left field - and rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus made a marvelous diving catch of it.

That took a bit of the air out of the inning, and the Mariners remain without a run. So does Texas, coming up in the bottom half of the fourth.

That's one

Vargas just gave up a long fly ball that didn't say in the park - a Chris Davis solo home run that put Texas ahead.

The lefty is changing speeds (73 mph to 88 mph)and locations well, has struck out two and walked two. He's also gotten deeper into the game already than Seattle would have expected from the man he's replacing, Carlos Silva.

If one run beats him, that's the fault of his hitters.

After five: Rangers 1, Mariners 0

Here comes Seattle

Miguel Batista just left the bases full of Rangers in his first inning of relief after Vargas pitched five marvelous innings - but the Mariners still hadn't pushed a runner as far as second base against Scott Feldman.

Then, one out into the seventh, Franklin Gutierrez singled and, with Gutierrez running, Kenji Johjima doubled to right field for the tie.

Yuniesky Betancourt, facing reliever Derek Holland, grounded out on the first pitch. Raise your hand if you're surprised.

Against the lefty, Wladimir Balentien pinch-hit for Endy Chavez and grounded out.

Vargas won't win but can't lose. That's something.

In the seventh: Mariners 1, Rangers 1

There go the Rangers

Mark Lowe on the mound, and Josh Hamilton followed Michael Young's third single with a home run to left field.

Oops.

That seemed to break Texas loose. An infield single, a double to the wall in left center field and a sacrifice fly got home another run.

Bad? Yes, but a ground ball to first with a man on third base bounced off Branyan's glove for a run-scoring error.

It took the Mariners seven innings to get one run. Now, they face having to score six runs in two innings just to tie.

After seven: Rangers 7, Mariners 1
It's over

Mariners had four, count them, four hits.

Final score: Rangers 7, Mariners 1

We haven't done some links in a while. Why? Well, I really have no good explanation for the absence. None, other than my doctor prescribed it to me and I didn't know what it was.

Let's get to it....

AUDIO -- Here's my weekly segment with Ian Furness, which I did on Friday and forgot to post on here.

From a great site to check -- sportsradiointerviews.com, here's the audio and written transcript of Roger Clemens' interview on Mike and Mike in the Morning.

Nothing very interesting other than Roger believing his father-in-law's heart troubles might be hereditary.

From today's News Tribune your newspaper for the South Sound, Larry has this story about the Mariners still searching for an identity as a team.

From Sunday's News Tribune -- here's my Sunday baseball column on Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, along with my weekly power rankings. Also on Sundays we run Mike Curto's Minor League column, which this week talks about the recent power surge High Desert first baseman Joe Dunigan.

Let's catch up with some former Mariners ...
Raul Ibanez is playing very well for the Phillies and the national writers are starting to take notice. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports has this column on Raul, while Sports Illustrated.com followed with a piece on Raul. The USS Mariner wasn't impressed with this article and DMZ offers his thoughts on it.

With his stellar play at the plate and in the field, Adam Jones continues to earn recognition. The Baltimore Sun had this feature on him.

I know I've recommended it before, but you should read Joe Posnanski's blog when you get the chance. Here's one of his posts on Scott Boras' clients and steroid use with some reference to A-Rod and the Mariners scouting of him.

From the AL West ...
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia isn't happy with his team's lack of discipline at the plate. Really Mike? Really? Why don't you try managing the Mariners for a 20 game stretch and find out about lack of plate discipline.

In this notebook, it mentions that pitchers John Lackey and Ervin Santana should be activated within the next seven days after solid and pain-free rehab outings.

Josh Hamilton is back in the line-up for the Texas Rangers. Making a difficult lineup to pitch against that much tougher. Have fun Jason Vargas.

Susan Slusser has more details on the upcoming Moneyball movie starring Brad Pitt.

A big thanks to Jeff Evans, and congrats to Kelly Munro.

Here also is Jay Yencich's weekly minor league wrap up from the USS Mariner.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)

Here's my game story that talks about Bryan LaHair's recent power being a product of being healthy.
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Josh Hall 4.1,8,3,2,4,2
RH Brodie Downs (W, 3-1) 2.2,1,2,2,1,3,HR
LH Chris Seddon 1.0,0,0,0,0,1
LH Justin Thomas 0.2,4,2,2,0,0,WP
RH Steven Shell (S, 1) 0.1,0,0,0,0,0,WP
With the Bats:
1B Mike Carp 2x4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
3B Chris Shelton 2x5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
LF Bryan LaHair 2x4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
2B Erick Monzon 3x4, 2 2B, RBI
Rainiers Notes: 3B Chris Shelton hit a three-run homer in the first inning Sunday to spark Tacoma during a 9-7 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. 1B Mike Carp and LF Bryan LaHair also homered in the win for the Rainiers, who have won four of their last five games. 2B Erick Monzon started his second game for the Rainiers and went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and one RBI. RH Josh Hall made his first start for the Rainiers after signing as a minor league free agent on Friday. Hall pitched in the Colorado and Washington organizations in 2008. RH Brodie Downs picked up his 3rd win in his last 8 appearances, allowing 1 hit and 2 runs in 2.2 IP. RH Steven Shell recorded the final out with the tying run in scoring position to pick up his first save with the Rainiers. LaHair extended his hitting streak to 6 games (.450/9x20). Carp hit his team-leading 19th extra base hit (11 2B, 8 HR), ranking 3rd in the PCL.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Gaby Hernandez (1-2, 6.03) vs. Colorado Springs

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
Off Day
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx were rained out Saturday and had yesterday off. West Tenn has lost 5 consecutive games. OF Ezequiel Carrera has reached base in 25 of his last 26 games and is batting .340 (32x94) with 25 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 7 stolen bases. Carrera currently ranks 9th in the Southern League batting race. INF Matt Mangini has hit safely in 11 of his last 13, batting .354 (17x48) with 5 runs scored, 4 extra-base hits and 11 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads the Southern league in home runs (10) and RBI (28). Halman has recorded 5 home runs and 14 RBI over his last 10 games (since April 27).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Steven Hensley (0-1, 6.75 ERA) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Jake Wild 4.0,6,3,3,2,2
RH Stephen Penny (W, 1-0) 2.0,0,0,0,1,0
RH Natividad Dilone 1.0,2,2,2,1,2
RH Aaron Jensen 2.0,3,1,1,0,1
With the Bats:
DH Tyson Gillies 3x3, 3 R, RBI, SB
1B Ian Bladergroen 3x5, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI
LF Joe Dunigan 2x6, 2B, 4 RBI
SS Juan Diaz 3x5, 2 R,
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks continued their streak of not losing a series this season, and extended their division lead to 4.0 games, with a 14-6 win at Lake Elsinore. The Mavs capitalized on 4 Lake Elsinore errors and used a 6-run 6th inning and 4-run 7th to blow the game open. The Mavs also pounded out 16 hits on the day, including 6 for extra bases. LF Joe Dunigan went 2-for-6 with a double and 4 RBI. 1B Ian Bladergroen continued to have a big series, going 3-for-5 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI. SS Juan Diaz had 3 hits for his 4th consecutive multi-hit game, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 11 consecutive games. DH Tyson Gillies went 3-for-3 with 3 runs scored and currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.376/4th), Diaz (.373/5th) and Dunigan (.371/T6th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, the Mariners 5th round selection in 2007 out of the University of Oklahoma, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (34), slugging (.782) and extra base hits (26). The Mavs lead the league batting .312 overall with a league-best 48 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
Off Day

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
Pitching Lines:
RH Adam Harben 7.0,6,5,4,2,4
RH Ryan Moorer 2.0,4,3,3,1,0,HR
RH Cheyne Hann 1.0,2,0,0,0,0
RH Jose Jimenez (L, 1-1) 2.2,1,1,1,3,1
With the Bats:
3B Nate Tenbrink 2x6, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI
1B Kris Sanchez 1x3, 2 RBI, SF, 2 BB
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings played their third extra inning affair in four games, losing 9-8 at West Michigan in 13 innings. Clinton let an 8-0 lead slip away, as West Michigan forced extra innings on a three-run home run in the 9th inning by Ben Guez (off Ryan Moorer). RF Denny Almonte went 0-for-4 with 2 runs, 2 walks and one RBI, but had his 11-game hitting streak snapped (.327/16x49). Almonte has hit safely in 23 of 27 games this season(.295).
Today’s probable starter:
Off Day

As they try to avoid being swept, the Seattle Mariners will be without Mike Sweeney, who's battling back spasms.

No, not the spasms high on his back that nailed him earlier this season - these are low in his back. With an off-day Monday, the team hopes he can play by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Franklin Gutierrrez gets a day off, Yuniesky Betancourt starts again and Erik Bedard (ERA: 2.37) will pitch and hope to get, oh, a run or two.

Their six-game losing streak has dropped them from first to third place in tghre American League West, pulled them under .500 and reminded fans of long losing streaks that gutted the last three seasons.

And, after today, the Mariners fly to Texas to play the Rangers in a three-game series beginning Tuesday.

They don't want to get there with a seven-game losing streak.

Yes, Virginia, they need a win badly.

Happy mothers day. We're off.

The pressure builds

Every inning a Mariners pitcher takes the mound after his team fails to score gets tougher.

Human nature can't be coached away, and with the Mariners not scoring runs, Seattle pitchers can't win by merely pitching well - they have to be thinking 'shutout.'

Bedard loaded the bases with Twins with one out, then got a force at the plate and struck out Matt Tolbert.

Two shutout innings, he's tied. And the pressure builds.

Twins break through

Joe Mauer walked and Justin Morneau doubled him home, though Morneau was then caught in a rundown and tagged out.

None-the-less, it's a run, and the Mariners fail to score first again.

So far, Seattle has managed an infield hit by Ichiro.

After three: Twins 1, Mariners 0

Mariners miss a chance

Ken Griffey Jr. drove a ball off the wall in right center field for a double. Adrian Beltre singled him to third, with no one out.
Branyan popped out. Wladimir Balentien popped out. Betancourt grounded out.

No runs.

It wasn't the place or the personnel to put on a squeeze, but many more innings - or games - like this, and Don Wakamatsu might start bunting once anyone gets to third, just to have a shot at scoring him.

In the fourth: Twins 1, Mariners 0

And another chance

Endy Chavez doubled with one out, but when Ichiro grounded to shortstop, Chavez tried to take third and was caught in a rundown.

Jose Lopez grounded out.

No run, again.

In the fifth: Twins 1, Mariners 0

Bedard say 'adieu'

As the pitches piled up, Bedard's game went south.

Two outs into the fifth, he walked Morneau, then wild-pitched him to second base. With his 110th pitch, Bedard gave up a line drive single to right field that Ichiro short-hopped, and Morneau scored.

Mark Lowe entered the game, but the Mariners are now down two.

After five: Twins 2, Mariners 0

Junior to the rescue

Five outs from being shutout, Junior followed a walk to Lopez with career home run No. 614 - a timely shot that tied the game and fired up his team.

Beltre and Branyan followed with singles, and reliever Jesse Crain wild-pitched Beltre home, giving Seattle it's first lead in this weekend series.

Balentien doubled home Branyan.

In the eighth: Mariners 4, Twins 2
It's over - and so is the streak
Jose Lopez added a solo home run in the ninth inning and Brandon Morrow returned to the mound to end it - which he did, getting the final out with the bases full of Twins.

Now it's a one-game winning streak.

It's a final: Mariners 5, Twins 3

Hard to be more consistent than the Mariners at the moment - they're 8-8 on the road, 7-7 at home.

Felix Hernandez is the man behind whom Seattle hopes to snap its five-game losing streak. He has a 2.35 ERA in three career starts in the Metrodome, and that's earned him a 1-1 record here.

What the Mariners could use is a lead, and they're 7-1 against left-handers this season.
None of that, however, matters much unless they get to Liriano.

Over their last five games, they have five - count them, FIVE - hits with men in scoring position. That's in 39 opportunities.

Yikes.

Here we go.

You're kidding

Liriano dispatches the Mariners on nine pitches in the first inning.

Felix takes the mound, and on his first pitch, Denard Span pops out to left field - but Wladimir Balentien lost it in the roof and it fell in front of him for a double.

Matt Tolbert walked, and Hernandez wild-pitched the runners to second and third base with no one out.

Joe Mauer doubled them both home, and the Marinrers are behind, 13 pitches into the game.

Justin Morneau walked - 18 pitches thrown, no outs. Hernandez got a double play ground ball to third base, then a spectacular defensive play from Adrian Beltre for the third out.

After one: Twins 2, Mariners 0.

That's how big boys do it

Get a lead, pitch well, add on more. That's winning baseball.

The Twins added an insurance run on the power of Joe Mauer, who hit his third home run - and opposite field shot.

For the second night in a row, Justin Morneau followed it with a home run of his own (No. 8), and Minnesota is pulling away for the second night in a row.

After three: Twins 4, Mariners 0

Big boy ball II

Why on earth would Liriano hit Ichiro leading off an inning? It made no sense, and obviously irritated Seattle.

One out later, veteran Mike Sweeney hit his second home run of he season, a bolt over the wall in left center field that cut the Twins lead in half.

It also equalled, with one swing, the total number of runs the Mariners had scored in their last THREE games.
Adrian Beltre singled and stole second base (his fifth steal), and Russell Branyan drew a two-out walk. Johjima singled Beltre home, and Franklin Gutierrez worked Liriano for a walk to load the bases.

On the first pitch to him, Yuniesky Bettancourt popped out.

They may not come all the way back. They may not beat Liriano - but for the first time in four games, the Mariners worked a starting pitcher over.

In the fourth: Twins 4, Mariners 3
Oops

Back-to-backs singles had Twins at first and third with one out, and Brendan Harris grounded to third.

Beltre fielded and tried to tag Michael Cuddyer at third - he was safe - and then threw wildly to first base for an error. One run scored, everyone else moved up.

A sacrifice fly got a second run home.

After four: Twins 6, Mariners 3

Those scrappy little Mariners

Ichiro grounded to shortstop but beat the throw to first for another infield single, and Jose Lopez doubled into the left field corner to score him.

Beltre's one-out double pushed Lopez home.

For five games, it's seemed like the Mariners fell behind and rolled over. They're behind again, but they're not wandering off.

Well, except for Yuni.

Sean White in to pitch. Felix is done for the night.

In the fifth: Twins 6, Mariners 5

Those crappy little Mariners

White walked Mauer, Morneau singled off Beltre's glove and, with one out, Michael Cuddyer hit a 427-foot home run.

After five: Twins 9, Mariners 5

It's never over, but it almost is

Beltre led off the eighth inning with his third hit of the game and first home run of the season.

As signs go, it's a good one for the future. Not nearly enough for tonight.

In the eighth, Twins 9, Mariners 6

It's over

Mariners lose their sixth in a row and fall below .500 for the first time this season (15-16).

Final score: Twins 9, Mariners 6

The Seattle Mariners resolved their Carlos Silva problem by placing the right-hander on the 15-day disaled list with shoulder inflamation retroactive to May 7.

Taking his place in the rotation, beginning Tuesday in Texas, will be Jason Vargas, the left-hander obtained in the J.J. Putz deal.

Silva went on the DL as Brandon Morrow came off, and Silva will remain with the team, at least temporarily, to get treatment and begin his rehabilitation.

The move postponed, at least for a few weeks, the issue of what to do with Silva, in the second year of a four-year contract.

He pitched poorly last season(4-15, 6.46), has been worse this year (1-3, 8.48) and had no role other than as a starting pitcher.

For now, the Mariners can let him work on his confidence and his shoulder while giving Vargas a look as a young starting pitcher.

In two relief appearances with Seattle, Vargas is 1-0 with a 0.00 earned run average in 3 2/3 innings.

Antony Suzuki is no Francisco Liriano, but he's left-handed, so he's throwing early batting practice to most of the Seattle Mariners.

Suzuki is the translator with Kenji Johjima, but he's throwing well - and about eight Mariners are out here four hours befrore the game.

One of them, Adrian Beltre, is getting a lot of one-on-one help from manager Don Wakamatsu - and others.

As Beltre was showing his stance to Wakamatsu, Ken Griffey Jr. came up from behind and laid his hands on Beltre's front shoulder, moving it inward a little.

It's a reminder that this is a team, not just a group of individuals, and they are trying to work out their troubles together.

Will it work? One game - even one win - won't answer that, but the effort to improve continues.

If, in the end, there isn't enough talent, at least one can admire the work ethic. This early BP - which started at 11:30 a.m. (PDT), was voluntary.

When it ends, the team will head in to the clubouse for a 90 minutes or so and then re-emerge, stretch and take regular batting practice.

I realized while I was sitting here at Cheney Stadium that I forgot to post the minor league report. So here it is now. Also of note, catcher Jamie Burke has cleared waivers and is back with the organization. He's in uniform tonight.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto game story
BOX SCORE
Tacoma 13 runs, 16 hits, 2 errors
Salt Lake 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Doug Fister 3.2,5,3,3,1,5,HR
RH Brodie Downs (W, 2-1) 2.1,1,0,0,2,3,WP
RH Jesus Delgado 2.0,1,0,0,0,0
RH Steven Shell 1.0,0,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
3B Chris Shelton (pictured) 4x5, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI
CF Jerry Owens 3x6, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB
SS Mike Morse 2x5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
1B Bryan LaHair 2x5, 2 R, 2B, RBI
LF Mike Saunders 1x4, R, HR, RBI, SH
Of Note: Mike Morse and Mike Saunders hit back-to-back home runs during an 8-run inning as Tacoma pounded Salt Lake 13-3 on Thursday night. The Rainiers bunched 7 hits in their big 7th inning. Morse's 2-run homer and Saunders' solo shot were followed by consecutive singles by Chris Shelton, Bryan LaHair and Guillermo Quiroz. Mike Carp capped the outburst with a 2-run double. All the Rainiers runs came in 2 innings. They also had a 5-run 4th that was highlighted by consecutive RBI doubles by Shelton and LaHair, and a run-scoring triple by Callix Crabbe.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Luis Muñoz (0-1, 22.09 ERA) vs. Colorado Springs

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
BOX SCORE
Huntsville 6 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors RAINED OUT
West Tennessee 5 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors
Pitching Lines:
LH Daniel Christensen 4.1,6,2,1,2,2
RH Steve Bray 2.2,5,3,3,0,4,HR
RH Anthony Varvaro 2.2,2,0,0,1,2
LH Nick Hill (L, 0-2) 1.1,2,1,1,0,2
With the Bats:
3B Matt Mangini 2x3, 2B, 3 RBI
1B Marshall Hubbard 1x3, R, RBI, 2 BB
GAME 2:
BOX SCORE
Huntsville 7 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors RAINED OUT
West Tennessee 1 run, 7 hits, 4 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Ryan Patrick (L, 1-2) 5.0,10,7,4,2,1,HR,2WP
RH Mumba Rivera 2.0,0,0,0,1,3
With the Bats:
DH Marshall Hubbard 1x3, R, HR, RBI
CF Greg Halman 1x3, 2B
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx were swept by Huntsville on Thursday night. The Stars took game 1, 6-5 in 11 innings and game 2, 7-1. Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 25 games. He is currently batting .356 (32x90) with 25 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 7 stolen bases. Matt Mangini went 0x3 in game 2, but has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games. During this stretch he is hitting .341 (15x44) with 5 runs scored, 4 extra-base hits and 11 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Justin Souza (1-1, 1.80 ERA) vs. Huntsville

A High Desert (California League)
Here's the game story from Victorville
BOX SCORE
Inland Empire 13 runs, 18 hits, 0 errors
High Desert 3 runs, 8 hits, 4 errors
Pitching Lines:
LH Donnie Hume (L, 2-1) 1.0,8,7,6,1,2,HR,HB
RH Stephen Penney 4.0,2,1,0,0,5
RH Natividad Dilone 2.0,2,0,0,1,3
RH Aaron Jenesen 2.0,6,5,4,1,0,HR
With the Bats:
3B Alex Liddi 3x4, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, SB
SS Juan Diaz 2x5, RBI
RF Jamie McOwen 1x5, R, 3B
Of Note: Inland Empire used a 6-run 1st inning to cruise past the Mavs 13-3 on Thursday. Mavs starter Donnie Hume didn't retire a 66er until he was 7 batters into the game. Hume was pulled in the 2nd inning after allowing 7 runs on 8 hits. It was his 1st loss in 8 career starts with the Mavs. Joe Dunigan went 0x4 yesterday, but has still hit safely in 15 of his last 18 games, batting .392 (31x79) with 20 runs scored, 7 doubles, 10 home runs and 23 RBI. Tyson Gillies currently has a 10-game hit streak, batting .333 (13x39) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 5 RBI. Alex Liddi recorded his 13 multi-hit games and has hit safely in 22 of 27 games. He is currently batting .380 (41x108) with 9 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs and 23 RBI. He is among the California League leaders in multiple offensive categories, including average (.380, 3rd), home runs (7, T3rd), RBI (23, 3rd), hits (41, T3rd), slugging percentage (.676, 3rd), extra-base hits (17, T2nd)
Today’s probable starter:
RH Nathan Adcock (2-2, 3.45 ERA) vs. Lake Elsinore

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest Lg.)
BOX SCORE
Clinton 6 runs, 12 hits, 3 errors
Dayton 4 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Walter Suriel 5.0, 4, 2, 2, 2, 4,HR
RH Blake Nation 2.2,4, 2, 2,1,0,WP
RH Ryan Moorer 2.1,4,0,0,1,2
LH Jose Jimenez (W, 1-0) 3.0,1,0,0,3,2
RH Ruben Flores (S, 5) 1.0,0,0,0,0,2
With the Bats:
CF Maximo Mendez 2x7, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
3B Mario Martinez 2x5, 2B, SH
2B Ogui Diaz 2x6, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB
RF Denny Almonte 1x5, R, HR, RBI, BB
DH Kris Sanchez 1x3, R, HR, RBI, BB
LF Jacob Shaffer 1x5, R, HR, RBI, SH
Of Note: A marathon game finally swung Clinton's way in the top of the 14th when Ogui Diaz grounded an RBI single into center, plating Luis Nunez for the game's first run since the 7th. Maximo Mendez then singled home Diaz with a flare to left, giving the LumberKings their 6-4 winning margin over Dayton. Denny Almonte currently has a 9-game hit streak, batting .324 (12x37) with 8 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs and 11 RBI. He has also hit safely in 21 of 24 games this season, batting .308 (28x91). Jose Jimenez has not allowed an earned run in 12.2 inning, and extended his scoreless streak to 9.1 IP.
Today’s probable starter:
TBA at West Michigan

Think Ken Griffey Jr. likes hitting in the Metrodome? Consider this: He left the American League for 10 years and still remains second in home runs (25) hit here by a visiting player.

That's extraordinary, and he added on to that list in the first series here last month. This series will be Junior's last in the 'dome - next spring the Twins will open their new no-roof outdoor ballpark.

Now, the Mariners try to snap their season-high four-game losing streak behind rookie right-hander Chris Jakubauskas, who has been solid in most of his starts but vulnerable to the big inning.

If he can avoid one tonight, the Mariners should score agains Scott Baker, who opens with a 9.15 ERA.

When Seattle scores first, the team is 10-4.

Buckle up! It's indoor baseball.

Wak ball

It didn't lead to a run, but Don Wakamatsu made it obvious in the first inning that his team is trying to force the action.

After Endy Chavez singled with one out, Jose Lopez fouled off a hit-and-run pitch. With two outs, Chavez stole second with Russell Branyan at the plate.

Branyan struck out. No runs, but the Twins are on notice. The Mariners will push it.

Twins ball

Give Minnesota a point-blank scoring opportunity, you can write down a run or two.

Denard Span singled, Matt Tolbert doubled and there it was - second and third with no out. Joe Mauer grounded out for one run. Justin Morneau flied out for another.

Simple, efficient, lethal.

After one: Twins 2, Mariners 0

Oops, oops and ouch

Jakubauskas got the first out of the second inning, then walked Brian Buscher an Delmon Young. Behind No. 9 hitter Brendan Harris in the count, 3-1, Jakubauskas caught too much plate and Harris hit it out.

The Mariners have two runs in their last two games - and now trail by five.

After two: Twins 5, Mariners 0

About Mr. Baker

Yes, his ERA was astronomical coming in - hell, it's STILL astronomical - but Scott Baker has done one thing remarkably well tonight.

He's thrown strikes.

Sounds simple, but by doing so he's forced Seattle to swing early. They take pitches at their own peril.

How efficient has he been? Through four innings, Baker has thrown 57 pitches - 4 of them strikes. At one point, he threw 21 strikes in 25 pitches.

That works.

Ouch and ouch again

Jakubauskas is gamely trying to get through the fifth, but it's looking doubtful.
Mauer and Morneau went back-to-back with long home runs, and Jason Kubel walked. Out in the bullpen, Miguel Batista is warming up for the third time.

The Mariners rule of thumb: Once a man has been up three times, you get him in or sit him down for good that night.

Batista is coming in.

In the fifth: Twins 7, Mariners 0

It's over

It was over in the first, when the Twins scored two runs, but it's officially over now and the Mariners have lost a season-high five in a row.

They managed five hits, never more than two in an inning.

Looking for a ray of hope? Felix Hernandez starts tomorrow night's game. Of course, without a run, not even Felix can win a game.

Final score: Twins 11, Mariners 0

Former Mariners and current Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin was fired last night/this morning. He will be replaced by former catcher A.J. Hinch, who mainly worked in the front office and has no managing experience.

I liked Melvin the times I was around him. And I thought he was doing a pretty good job in Arizona, but after making the 2007 playoffs, the D'Backs and their fans had some expectations that he simply couldn't live up to. This season Arizona has had to deal with injuries to shortstop Stephen Drew and ace Brandon Webb. The D'Backs were 12-17 this season.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE
Tacoma 8 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
Salt Lake 6 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Gaby Hernandez (W, 1-2) 5.0,4,2,2,1,5
RH Jared Wells 1.1,3,2,2,0,1
LH Justin Thomas 1.1,4,2,2,2,3
RH Randy Messenger 1.1,1,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
2B Callix Crabbe 2x5, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI
CF Jerry Owens 2x4, R, RBI, 2 SB, BB
LF Bryan LaHair (pictured)2x3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
3B Chris Shelton 1x2, R, RBI, HP, BB
RF Prentice Redman 1x5, R, 3B, RBI

Of Note: Callix Crabbe hit a tying, 2-run double before scoring the go-ahead run on Jerry Owens' single in the 5th inning, and Tacoma went on to beat Salt Lake 8-6 on Wednesday night. It was the fourth win for the Rainiers in their past 19 games at Salt Lake. The Rainiers lead in the PCL in team home runs (33), including 17 home runs on the road (in 15 games) and 10 versus the Bees (in 7 games). The Rainiers pitching staff currently ranks 2nd in the PCL in strikeouts (188). The Fresno Grizzlies lead the league in struck out batters (199).

Today’s probable starter:
RH Doug Fister (0-0, 2.08 ERA) at Salt Lake

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
Huntsville RAINED OUT
West Tennessee
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx and Stars game at 11:05 TODAY has been postponed due to rain and a scheduled double-header is set for Thursday, beginning at 5:05. Greg Halman has knocked in 22 RBI in his last 13 games. During this stretch he is batting .313 (15x48) with 13 runs scored, 3 doubles, 8 home runs and 23 RBI. Halman currently leads the Southern League in home runs (10) and RBI (28). Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 23 games. He is currently batting .357 (30x84) with 24 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 6 stolen bases.
Today’s probable starter:
Game 1: LH Daniel Christensen (0-1, 18.00 ) vs. Huntsville
Game 2: TBA vs. Huntsville

A High Desert (California League)
BOX SCORE
Game story from Victorville Daily Press
Inland Empire 10 runs, 18 hits, 0 errors
High Desert 12 runs, 19 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Juan Ramirez 3.1,8,7,7,2,4,4HR,2WP
LH Edward Paredes 1.2,3,2,2,2,1,HR
RH Juan Zapata 2.0,2,0,0,0,0
RH Travis Mortimore 3.0,4,1,1,1,3
RH Steven Richard (W, 2-0) 1.0,1,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
LF/1B Joe Dunigan 4x7, 3 R, 3 HR, 7 RBI
CF Tyson Gillies 3x6, R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB
RF/LF Kuo Hui Lo 3x6, R
2B Edilio Colina 2x6, 2 R, BB
1B Ian Bladergroen 2x4, R
DH Carlos Peguero 1x6, R, HR 3 RBI

Of Note: Joe Dunigan (left) slugged 3 home runs, including a 2- run shot in the bottom of the 11th that propelled the Mavs to a 12-10 win Wednesday night over Inland Empire. It was the 5th time this season Dunigan had a multi-homer game, but the 1st time he hit 3 in a game. He now has a total of 7 home runs in 5 games against the 66ers. Dunigan finished with 4 hits and a career-high 7 RBI on the night. He hit a 2-run homer in the 1st, a 3-run shot in the 7th before the walk-off shot in the 11th. He has hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games, batting .413 (31x75) with 20 runs scored, 7 doubles, 10 home runs and 23 RBI. Tyson Gillies currently has a 9-game hit streak, batting .343 (12x35) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 5 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
LH Donnie Hume (2-0, 4.15 ERA) vs. Inland Empire

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest Lg.)
BOX SCORE
Clinton 5 runs, 5 hits, 3 errors
Dayton 7 runs, 11 hits, 3 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Kenn Kasparek 3.0,5,3,2,1,5,HB
LH Bobby LaFromboise 3.1,3,1,1,2,4
RH Chris Kirkland (L,0-1) 0.0,2,3,3,2,0
RH Chyne Hann 0.2,1,0,0,1,0
RH Greg Moviel 1.0,0,0,0,2,0
With the Bats:
PH/1B Kris Sanchez 3x3, R, 2B, HR, RBI
LF/RF Denny Almonte 1x4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
DH Scott Savastano 1x2, R, HR, RBI, HP, 2 BB
Of Note: Right after Clinton had taken a 5-3 lead on the strength of Kris Sanchez's solo home run and Maximo Mendez's trip around the bases (walk, steal, 2 errors), the bullpen suffered a 4-walk, 4-run meltdown as Dayton got away with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Denny Almonte currently has an 8-game hit streak, batting .344 (11x32) with 67 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs and 10 RBI. He has also hit safely in 21 of 24 games this season, batting .308 (28x91). Scott Savastano has hit safely in 17 of 22 games this season, batting .329 (26x79) with 16 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 13 RBI. Juan Diaz currently went 0x4 in the game ending his hit streak at 6 games. During the streak he hit .391 (9x23). He has now hit safely in 18 of 21 games this season, batting .337 (28x83) with 17 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 8 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Walter Suriel (0-2, 5.54 ERA) at Dayton

Jarrod Washburn isn't at home in Kansas City, but he must sometimes wish he were - his record pitching here is 6-1, and his lifeime ERA of 2.30 is second only to Roger Clemens.

Ah, but there's a rub. Isn't there always?

The Mariners don't win in this ballpark. They were 1-6 here last season and are 0-1 this year, having scored exactly once on Wednesday.

In fact, through 28 games this season, Seattle has scored one run or less seven times. That, and starter Brian Bannister has a 1.96 ERA.

Oh, let them play, anyway. See what happens.

We're off.

Hit it on the ground and run!

As an offense, that's not much of an attack, but the Mariners use what they have.

Ichiro led off the game with a two-hopper to shortstop and beat the throw for an infield single, then stole second base (No. 5).

With one out, Jose Lopez rolled a ball to shortstsop and beat that out, with Ichiro taking third.

Cleanup hitter Russell Branyan struck out. Adrian Beltre hit a soft line drive to second.
No runs. Two infield hits. Yes, Virginia, this is what's keeping Seattle pitchers awake nights.

That wasn't Yuni's fault

An error at shortstop cost the Mariners a run, but Yuniesky Betancourt wasn't out there - Ronny Cedeno was.

After a two-out double and stolen base bt Coco Crisp, David DeJesus grounded to short, where Cedeno fielded the ball, transferred it to his throwing hand and dropped it.
Crisp scored. The Royals lead. The Mariners are officially slumping.

After three: Royals 1, Mariners 0

Look familiar?

It should. Not only did the Royals use little ball to add on a run, they used Willie Bloomquist to do it.

Bloomquist singled to run his hitting streak to 10 games, was bunted to second base an scored on a ground ball single from Mike Aviles.

This game might seem within reach if the Mariners would, like, score.

After five: Royals 2, Mariners 0

That's not small ball

Ichiro walked and Gutierrez was safe on an error.

Big inning? No. Small ball? No again.
Lopez tried to bunt the runners over, fouled the attempt off and then grounded into the third double play of the day for Seattle.

Branyan popped up. Another opportunity wasted.
Now that's just wasteful

The bottom of the Seattle lineup today - No. 8 hitter Rob Johnson and No. 9 Cedeno - has combined to go 0-for-6 with six strikeouts.

That's the equivalent of two full innings not putting a ball in play.

Add that to the four double plays grounded into, and you can see how scoring a run might be difficult without a long ball.

Washburn pitched seven marvelous innings but wouldn't have been much better off if he'd no-hit the Royals - all it would have given him is a tie.

To the bottom of eight: Royals 2, Mariners 0
And it's over

Four Kansas City pitchers, and the Mariners couldn't score against any of them until there were two outs in the ninth inning.

Seattle has now lost a season-high four games in a row, dropped to 15-14 and out of first place in the American League West and quite simply ceased to hit - especially when it matters most.

Of their nine hits today, three didn't leave the infield and only one came with a runner in scoring position.

In May, Washburn has worked 14 innings over two starts, allowed two earned runs, and gone 0-1.

Mike Sweeney's pinch-hit single drove in Seattle's only run, pinch hitter Betancourt drew a walk after falling behind 0-2.

That got the game to Ichiro, two outs in the ninth, with the bases loaded. He grounded out.

When the Mariners get things straightened out, these games may haunt them.

The final score: Royals 3, Mariners 1

I guess Manny being Manny has taken on a whole new meaning. The Dodgers rightfielder and the best right-handed hitter in major league baseball has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs -- notice I didn't write steroids.

The LA Times, which broke the story, and most other media outlets here and here and here are saying that it hasn't been confirmed what exactly he tested positive for. So at this point, to accuse him of steroid use would be a bit presumptive. Manny said that what he was taking was prescribed by his doctor for a personal medical issue. So until more news comes out, to accuse him of steroid use is a bit premature.

Honestly, part of me is stunned by it, but the other part just made me shrug my shoulders and say to myself, "so there's another one." At some point, you just become numb to that type of shock. It all becomes matter of fact. It's a pretty sad and depressing reaction And not one baseball wants from its fans.

When will this stuff end?

No decision on Carlos Silva yet, but that's not surprise. A day game after a night game doesn't allow much time for consultation within the organization - but it would be a surpise is Silva makes the next start when the No. 3 spot in the rotation rolls around in Texas.

Meanwhile, Ronny Cedeno is back in the lineup, giving SS Yuniesky Betancourt a breather.

The bullpen is rested, Jarrod Washburn is pitching well - all the Mariners need is some offense.

Oh, that.

Here's the lineup:

Ichiro RF
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Jose Lopez 2B
Russell Branyan 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Wladimir Balentien LF
Rob Johnson C
Ronny Cedeno SS
Jarrod Washburn

Three Mariners entered the game with hitting streaks, and all six other players in the lineup didn't.

That gives you an idea how the Seattle offense is going.

Kenji Johjima (seven games), Jose Lopez (six) and Russell Branyan (5) are the streakers. The rest of the lineup stands at ... well ... zero.

And we're off.

It's little ball!

David DeJesus began the first inning with a bloop opposite field double, and Willie Bloomquist - yes, HIM! - singled up the middle.

Carlos Silva induced a ground ball double play from Mark Teahan, but DeJesus scored.

Silva hit Jose Guillen, Billy Butler just missed a home run - doubling off the wall in right field - and Mike Jacobs singled both of them home.

Just the kind of start Seattle and its beleaguered right-hander didn't need.

After one: Royals 3, Mariners 0

It's long ball

Mark Teahen found a Silva fastball to his liking and turned it into his fourth home run.

Jose Guillen just did get a grounder through the infield for a single, Butler grounded anoher single - precisely the kind of hits sinker ball specialists allow when they're a bit unlucky.

Garrett Olson is throwing in the Seattle bullpen, six outs into this one.

Mike Jacobs grounded a third single into left field to load the bases with no one out. Silva got a ground ball double play, with another run scoring, but at least that one was hit at someone.

Silva balked home Butler. There's not much more that can happen to Silva this inning, except perhaps being struck by a lightning bolt.

After three innings: Royals 6, Mariners 0

Good night, Mr. Silva

Olson on the mound to start the fourth. This isn't good news for Silva or the Mariners - his failures in the rotation likely won't look much better if he's thrown into occasional use in the bullpen, but Wakamatsu is about out of patience and options.

Oops

The Mariners loaded the bases with one out on a walk to Junior and singled by Franklin Gutierrez and Yuniesky Betancourt.

The chance to get back in this game?

No. Ichiro tapped back to the mound for a force at the plate, and Endy Chavez tapped back to the mound for the third out.

This one feels like a plug has been pulled, and it's only the fifth.

Royals 8, Mariners 0

There goes the shutout

Another promising threat the Mariners did very little with, but at least they're on the board.

Lopez singled, Branyan doubled and Beltre flied out deep enough to chase home one run and get Branyan to third base.

Griffey flied out to shallow center and Branyan inexplicably tried to score. For his effort, he was tagged out - in the face - by catcher Olivo.

Words and hard looks were exchanged.

In the sixth: Royals 8, Mariners 1

It's about over

Olson is saving the bullpen, allowing three runs in five innings of relief his first day in uniform.

As for the offense, consider this. With men on second and third base and one out, the Royals went to reliever Horacio Ramirez - yes, THAT Horacio Ramirez - and the lefty pitched out of it without allowing a run.

After eight: Royals 9, Mariners 1
It's over

Griffey reached base on an error, took second on a Gutierrez infield hit. Betancourt popped out.
Ichiro struck out.

No animals were injured during the playing of this game.

Final: Royals 9, Mariners 1

The flavor of Seattle is abundant here, in the Mariners lineup, of course, and in that of the Kansas City Royals.

Even without Gil Meche pitching, the Royals lineup features Willie Bloomquist (.378), Jose Guillen (.306) and Miguel Olivo (.211).

To counter that - and the problem they've had scoring - the Mariners roll out yet another of Don Wakamatsu's moving-target batting orders.

Here's the latest:

Ichiro RF
Endy Chavez LF
Jose Lopez 2B
Russell Branyan 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Kenji Johjima C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Carlos Silva RHP

Sorry this is late, had an appointment with the oral surgeon. A few things, the Rainiers had to face Angels pitcher John Lackey and it sounded like he's on his way back to the Los Angeles rotation. On Sunday, High Desert faced Ervin Santana, who was also on rehab start.

In Class A Clinton, Denny Almonte hit a pair of homers.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto's game story. AS you will read, the Rainiers had two grand slams hit off them in one inning.
BOX SCORE
Tacoma 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error
Salt Lake 13 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Eric Hull (L, 3-2) 3.0,3,3,3,5,2,WP
RH Steven Shell 1.0,4,5,5,1,1,2HR
RH Jesus Delgado 2.0,3,2,2,0,1,HR
RH Brodie Downs 1.0,1,3,3,4,1
RH Randy Messenger 1.0,1,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
LF Mike Saunders 1x2, 2B, BB
CF Jerry Owens 0x3, BB, SB
Of Note: It was a game to forget for the Rainiers on Tuesday, falling to Salt Lake 13-0 as Tacoma dropped their 4th straight game. Steven Shell gave up 5 runs in an 8-run 4th inning and Tacoma managed only 1 hit against the Bees. The Rainiers pitching staff gave up 2 grand slams in the game, both in the same inning. It was the 3rd time in PCL history that a team hit 2 slams in 1 inning and the 1st since May 17, 1991, when the Calgary Cannons (then the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate) did it at home against the Tacoma Tigers. Since returning from the DL, Mike Saunders has hit safely in 4 of 5 games, batting .368 (7x19) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles, 4 home runs and 9 RBI. Mike Carp went 0x3 yesterday, but has hit safely in 8 of his last 10 games. During this stretch he is batting .385 (15x39) with 10 runs scored, 6 extra-base hits and 7 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Gaby Hernandez (0-2, 6.49 ERA) at Salt Lake

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)

GAME STORY from Jackson Sun.
BOX SCORE
Huntsville 13 runs, 11 hits, 3 errors
West Tennessee 10 runs, 12 hits, 3 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Kyle Parker 5.0,3,4,4,3,5,2HR
LH Nick Hill 1.0,3,3,2,0,1
RH Marwin Vega (L, 0-2) 2.0,3,4,0,1,3
RH Josh Fields 0.2,1,2,2,2,1,HB
RH Anthony Varvaro 0.1,1,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
C Yamid Haad 3x5, 3 RBI
CF Greg Halman (left) 2x3, 3 R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB, HP
RF Ezequiel Carrera 2x4, R, 2 RBI, BB
2B/SS Jeff Dominguez 2x5, R, RBI
DH Marshall Hubbard 1x2, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
Of Note: The Jaxx and Stars have battled with the weather the last few days played a 3:40 minute marathon on Tuesday that the Stars edged out 13-10. Greg Halman has knocked in 22 RBI in his last 13 games. During this stretch he is batting .313 (15x48) with 13 runs scored, 3 doubles, 8 home runs and 23 RBI. Halman currently leads the Southern League in home runs (10) and RBI (28). Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 23 games. He is currently batting .357 (30x84) with 24 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 6 stolen bases. The Diamond Jaxx and Stars game at 11:05 TODAY has been postponed due to rain and a scheduled double-header is set for Thursday, beginning at 5:05.
Thursday’s probable starter:
Game 1: TBA vs. Huntsville
Game 2: TBA vs. Huntsville

A High Desert (California League)
GAME STORY from Victorville Daily Press
BOX SCORE
Inland Empire 13 runs, 19 hits, 1 error
High Desert 16 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Jake Wild 4.2,9,4,3,3,6
RH Stephen Penney 1.0,4,5,2,0,1,WP
RH Aaron Jensen 1.1,4,2,2,1,1,HR
RH Steven Richard 0.1,2,2,2,1,1
RH Natividad Dilone (W, 2-0) 0.2,2,2,2,1,1
RH Phillippe Aumont (S, 4) 1.0,0,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
LF Kuo Hui Lo 3x6, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB
RF Jamie McOwen 2x5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 6 RBI, BB
3B Alex Liddi 2x6, R, 2B, RBI
DH Carlos Peguero 2x4, R, 3B, RBI, BB
C Yose Yepez 2x3, 2 R, HR, RBI, 2 BB
Of Note: Tuesday night the Mavs and 66ers combined for 29 runs on 34 hits in a game that lasted over 4 hours. When it was all over, the Mavs emerged victorious 16-13. All 18 players had at least 1 hit and scored once. Five players on the Mavs and 7 players on the 66ers had at least two hits. All nine on the Mavs and seven 66ers had at least 1 RBI. Jamie McOwen recorded a career-high 6 RBI, including hitting a 3-run home run. Joe Dunigan has hit safely in 14 of his last 16 games, batting .397 (27x68) with 17 runs scored, 7 doubles, 7 home runs and 16 RBI. Tyson Gillies currently has an 8-game hit streak, batting .310 (9x29) with 8 runs scored, 3 extra-base hits and 4 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Juan Ramirez (2-1, 2.73 ERA) vs. Inland Empire

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest Lg.)

BOX SCORE
Clinton 7 runs, 12 hits, 2 errors
Dayton 5 runs, 11 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Adam Harben 4.2,8,5,3,1,3,2HB
RH Ryan Moorer 2.1,2,0,0,0,0,WP
RH Cheyne Hann (W, 1-0) 1.0,0,0,0,0,3
RH Ruben Flores (S, 4) 1.0,1,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
2B Luis Nunez 3x4, 2 RBI
LF Denny Almonte (left)2x5, 2 R, 2 HR
1B Scott Savastano 2x5, R, 3B, RBI
C Travis Howell 2x3, R, 2 BB
3B Nate Tenbrink 1x4, RBI
Of Note: Scott Savastano's triple to right-center scored Maximo Mendez as Clinton came from behind for a 7-5 victory over Dayton on Tuesday night. Denny Almonte currently has a 7-game hit streak, batting .357 (10x28) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 8 RBI. He has also hit safely in 20 of 23 games this season, batting .310 (27x87). Juan Diaz currently has a 6-game hit streak, batting .391 (9x23). He has also hit safely in 18 of 20 games this season, batting .354 (28x79) with 17 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 8 RBI. Luis Nunez has recorded 6 hits in his last 8 at-bats, with consecutive 3-hit games. Scott Savastano recorded his 8th multi-hit game of the season and is currently batting .325 (25x77) with 15 runs scored, 6 extra-base hits and 12 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kenn Kasparek (1-2, 5.19 ERA) at Dayton

First of all, I suggest you read Jerry Crasnick's story on plate discipline. It's not statistical breakdown or filled with projections, but its more of a discussion about what different players, teams and coaches consider plate discipline and a few other things that they are doing to build it.

A few things I took from it ...
1. There are differing opinions about what plate discipline means to players and teams.
2. It's not just about going up there taking walks, it's about having an approach and swinging at pitches you can hit.
3. That learning this type of approach and plate discipline is the most difficult to do at the major league level, and teams like the Red Sox and A's make sure it starts at the lowest of levels.
4. This line from the story ... Contrary to the popular perception, life as we know it didn't begin with "Moneyball."

Not surprisingly Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt was mentioned in the story in not the most positive of lights. According to fangraphs, Yuni is swinging at 58.9 percent of the pitches he sees, sometimes I swear it feels like more.

Speaking of Yuni, let's take a look at his at-bats from the Tuesday's game against the Rangers from MLB.com's Gameday software

Four pitches, he swung at three of them -- probably two of the four were strikes.

Four pitches, four swings --- none of them look to be strikes

Two pitches, one swing - both were balls.

Four pitches, two swings -- all four were balls.

And the results --- an 0-for-4 day, 14 pitches, 10 swings, and maybe two or possibly three were actually strikes.

From Wakamatsu about Ronny Cedeno before the game -- "We're definitely going to get him in on this road trip."

Any bets if it is today?

A few things before I head back to Tacoma ... and sneak in a workout

The Mariners (15-12) are now 1/2 game up on the Rangers (14-12) in the AL West standings.

First of all, it appears Shawn Kelley (pictured above from the TNT's Joe Barrentine) will be going on the disabled list.

“All signs would indicate that this will take a little bit of time to recover," Wakamatsu said.

Wakamatsu said he didn't think Kelley would even leave with the team today. We haven't heard an official report, but it's most likely a strained oblique/abdominal.

As I said earlier, it looks as thought lefty Garrett Olson will be the player called up to replace him on the roster. Olson was supposed to start in Salt Lake City tonight for the Rainiers but was scratched. It makes sense. Olson is stretched out and they might need a long guy with Carlos Silva starting.

When Kelley went down, that kind of messed up the whole bullpen set up. Wak was hoping to avoid using Denny Stark unless an absolute emergency -- White, Batista and Vargas weren't available.

But Stark had to come in for the third straight day. I asked Stark if he could ever remember throwing in games on three straight days - remember he was a starter first and he's also had two Tommy John surgeries - and he said he couldn't but then said he wasn't going to make excuses. Fine. I'll make them for him.

As for the offense, Wak was relatively blunt about it.

“It’s one of those games that the offense needed to pick up the pitching and it didn’t,” he said.

Erik Bedard did his part, going seven and allowing one run against the Rangers. The Rangers can flat out wear out a team's pitching staff, especially when they get into a team's bullpen.

The offense was less than stellar. The Mariners made Padilla look less like psychotic serial killer and more like a Cy Young winner.

Rob Johnson summed it up pretty well.

"We had no run support for our starting pitchers, no run support for our relievers and they're just going out and putting up zeroes for us," he said.

From the postgame notes

RANGERS NOTES:
* The Rangers have won 6 of 8 games and 4 in a row, their longest winning streak of the season…with the win, the Rangers have now taken 6 of the last 7 games at Safeco Field.
* Vicente Padilla allowed only 1 hit in a season-high 8.0 innings, his longest outing since April 27, 2008 vs. MIN when he tossed a complete game shutout...his 1 hit allowed was his lowest ever in an outing of 8.0+ innings...this was his 2nd consecutive quality start...over his last 7 starts against Seattle, he is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA (8 ER, 44.2 IP), including 2-0 with a 0.34 ERA (1 ER, 26.2 IP) in 4 games at Safeco Field.
* Michael Young went 3x5 with a double, extending his hitting streak to 9 games…during the streak he is batting .425 (17x40) with 7 runs, 2 home runs, 5 doubles, 5 RBI…Young’s current streak is tied for 3rd longest active streak in the American League.
* Ian Kinsler went 2x6 and Michael Young went 3X5… both Kinsler and Young have 12 multi-hit games on the season, 3 behind AL leader, Aaron Hill of Toronto (15)… Young posted his 130th career game of 3-or-more hits, tying Juan Gonzalez for 2nd-most in team history behind only Ivan Rodriguez (146).
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a 9th inning grand slam, his 2nd career slam (last: May 23, 2008 at CLE off Jorge Julio).
* Frank Francisco finished the game, pitching 0.2 scoreless innings… has opened the season with 13 consecutive scoreless outings (13.2 IP)…has the most scoreless innings of any pitcher in the majors this season (13.0).
* Last Texas pitcher with at least 8.0 innings and no earned runs to take a no decision: Chris Young, May 9, 2005 vs. Detroit

MARINERS NOTES:
* The Mariners were swept for the first time this season…have lost just 3 of 9 series…was the Mariners 3rd extra inning game of the year, they are now 2-1 in extra inning games.
* Erik Bedard had his 2nd longest outing of the season, a 7-inning effort and struck out 7 and dropped his ERA from 2.61 to 2.37...has the 3rd best ERA in the American League...recorded a no-decision today but remains 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA (12 ER, 44.0 IP) over his last 7 starts vs. Texas...strikes 9.24 batters per 9-innings, was 6th best coming into play today...has struck out at least 6 in 5 of his 6 starts.
* Wladimir Balentien threw out Michael Young at the plate in the 8th inning to keep game tied at 1-1...his first assist of the season and 3rd for the Mariners (Chavez, Gutierrez)...Balentien recorded 6 outfield assists in 68 games last year.
* Russell Branyan doubled and scored in the 10th inning… since April 17, Branyan is hitting .362 (17x47) with 12 runs, 5 doubles, 5 home runs and 12 RBI…Branyan leads the Mariners in home runs (7) and runs scored (18).
* The Mariners had 4 hitting streaks snapped by Texas…Franklin Gutierrez (8 games, .483/14x29), T2nd-longest of his career…Yuniesky Betancourt (6 games, .407/11x27), Jose Lopez (6 games, .367/11x30), Ichiro (6 games, .281/9x32).
* Wladimir Balentien recorded Seattle’s first hit of the day, a single in the 5th…has hit safely in 7 of 10 starts (.368/14x38).
* Reliever Shawn Kelley left the game in the 10th inning with a strained oblique on the left side.

From the desk of Mariners' media relation's Kelly Munro

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Tacoma 7 runs, 13 hits, 2 errors
Salt Lake 9 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors
Here's Mike Curto's Game Story
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Andy Baldwin 6.0,7,4,4,2,4
LH Cesar Jimenez (L, 0-1) 1.1,4,5,4,3,0
LH Justin Thomas 0.2,0,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
C Jeff Clement 3x5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB
CF Mike Saunders 2x6, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI
1B Mike Carp 2x4, R, 2B, RBI, BB
DH Chris Shelton 2x5, RBI
Of Note: Chris Pettit's 2-run double capped a 4-run 7th inning by Salt Lake as the Bees rallied for a 9-7 victory over Tacoma on Monday night. All the Bees' damage in the 7th came against Cesar Jimenez. Mike Carp has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games, batting .417 (15x36) with 10 runs scored, 6 extra-base hits and 7 RBI. Since returning from the DL, Mike Saunders has hit safely in 3 of 4 games, batting .353 (6x17) with 5 runs scored, 1 double, 4 home runs and 9 RBI. Outfielder Jerry Owens signed his free agent contract and joined the Rainiers on Monday. In order to make room for Owens, outfielder Freddy Guzman was released. Guzman hit .214 in 42 at-bats and led the team with four stolen bases in 13 games. Guzman’s status was hampered by a broken hamate bone, which caused him to miss spring training and join the Rainiers late.
Today’s probable starter:
LH Garrett Olson (2-2, 3.08 ERA) at Salt Lake

=> Read more!

Greetings and welcome through this afternoon sojourn of baseball. I can't believe but they are actually opening the roof at Safeco Field. After what I saw this morning, I thought there was no way. But the roof is opening and the rays of hazy sunshine are shining down of fellow ray of sunshine Erik Bedard.

Anyway, I was excited about the chance to cover this game. No not because it's day baseball and I get to sit next to my buddy Johnny McGrath during the game. Not for the chance to see Bedard pitch and see him glare oddly at some of the insane questions the TV people ask postgame, no it's because I get to run this picture ....

Simply one of the greatest player headshots in baseball or in the realm of potential serial killers.

And it's not just the one picture either, how about this ...

Anyway, GAME UPDATES START HERE (lineups below)

Top of 1st
Erik Bedard gets in a minor jam giving up two hits, but he gets Andruw Jones and Hank Blalock to pop up.

Bottom of 1st
Could be a big day from Ichiro, he came into today hitting .541 (20-for-37) against Vicente. So of course he pops up in his first at-bat. Easy inning for Vicente

Top of 2nd
Bedard again allows the lead-off hitter (actually Wlad probably should have caught that) to reach forcing him to throw extra pitches, but gets out.

Bottom of 2nd
Padilla is looking solid, and still scary.

Top of 3rd
Bedard looked like he was in a much better rhythm that inning. Of course no baserunners help that situation.

Bottom of 3rd
Not much going on, Johnson tried to bunt and Padilla threw Betancourt a curveball that was so slow it didn't register on the radar gun here.

Top of 4th
Great catch from Russell Branyan going, reaching into the stands and grabbing a pop up from the baseball player formerly known as Andruw Jones.

Bottom of 4th
Ichiro is the first base runner with a walk, but that lasts for about one pitch as Lopez grounds into the a double play.

Top of 5th
Bedard is rolling along nicely, he gave up a single, but nothing else. It's started to rain, but they waited a while to start closing the roof.

Bottom of 5th
Wlad breaks up the no-hitter off of Padilla. With the rain coming down there was brief pause as the umps thought about waiting for the roof to close, perhaps out of the complaints from the Rangers. But they didn't. On a side note, I was wide-eyed intern for the TNT back in 2000 when I covered my first game by myself and it was the day the roof didn't close and they actually had a rain delay at Safeco.

Top of 6th
nice pick off from Bedard to get out of the inning

Bottom of 6th
The at-bat Yuni had in this inning pretty much sums up every rant I've ever had about his approach. And if he was supposed to bunt, he sure didn't show it. The Mariners get a break though as Ian Kinsler can't handle Jose Lopez's hard hit ground ball and a run scored. Mariners 1, Rangers 0.

Top of 7th
Apparently my last update never went up (though not surprisingly with our blog software)
Anyway Nelson Cruz crushed a Bedard pitch into the left field stands, clanging off the steps above the visitors bullpen to tie the game.

Bottom of 7th
Not much going for the Mariners there. They get a lead-off walk, but Beltre hit into a double play

Top of 8th
A little redemption for Rob Johnson, he hangs on to Wlad Balentien's throw from left to stop the potential go-ahead run at the plate for the third out.

Bottom of 8th
Not much going on from the Mariners, Yuni sees all of two pitches.

Top of 9th
Aardsma comes in and makes things interesting, loading the bases with two outs and bringing up Ian Kinsler. But Aardsma battles back and strikes him out after falling behind 3-1. His last three pitches were 95, 97, 97.

Bottom of 9th
The Mariners have one hit, insert the the line from Major League -- "One hit? That's all we got is one bleepin' hit?"

Top of 10th
That was scary as Kelley went down after throwing a pitch. I'm thinking it might be an oblique muscle strain and the Mariners are down 3-1. Denny STark comes in cold and warms up and takes over but he gives up four straight singles. Stark didn't give up a single to Saltlamacchia -- he gave up a grand slam. It's now 7-1.

Bottom of 10th
The Mariners are now turning into an offensive juggernaut, getting back to back doubles from Branyan and Beltre to score a run.

UPDATE: Expect Garrett Olson to be called up to replace Kelley on the roster. Olson was just scratched his start today in Salt Lake City and he's probably on his way to the SLC airport.

Texas (13-12)
Ian Kinsler 2B
Elvis Andrus SS
Michael Young 3B
Andruw Young LF
Hank Blalock DH
Marlon Byrd CF
Nelson Cruz RF
Chris Davis 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
--------
Vincente Padilla (1-2, 7.43 ERA)

Seattle (15-11)
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Mike Sweeney DH
Russell Branyan 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Rob Johnson C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
---------
Erik Bedard (2-1, 2.61 ERA)

A few notes ....

* Brandon Morrow feels good after throwing a bullpen session and has no issues. He will throw another bullpen in Kansas City and should be ready to go when he comes off the DL in Minnesota.

* Ryan Rowland-Smith will throw a side session in the bullpen and I can actually see him doing it right now as I type this. He's doing really well according to Wakamatsu. He'll most likely throw a simulated game in Texas and then a bullpen and head out for rehab assignment.

But Wakamatsu cautioned about expecting him back any time soon.

"It will take him some time to get him back into starting shape," Wakamatsu said. "He's set back quite a while, you'll have to build up his pitch count. So even after Texas, you're thinking of a couple weeks after that."

* Ken Griffey Jr.'s inflamed colon is still inflamed and he won't play today. But Wakamatsu figures he'll play tomorrow.

"We really had a strong feeling that he'd be okay today," he said.

Here's today's lineups --- A few things, Wakamatsu said he didn't like the match-up with Chavez vs. Vicente Padilla. Chavez is 1-for-10 in his career against Padilla. And he also wants to get Balentien, who he said has been "starting to swing bat" some more at-bats. As for Lopez moving up to No. 2, it's a product of the line-up changes in other areas, but Wakamatsu said he wouldn't lock Lopez into the No. 2 spot.

As for continuing to make line-up adjustments, he said, "It's such a long year. We look at how you are swinging it right now, are you coming out of it, are you not coming out of it, do you need a day. Those are all factors."

When asked if he saw any signs of power coming from Beltre, Wak said flatly, "Not right now. When you get off to a tough start, the anxiety and pride to carry this club magnifies."

But Wak pointed out the two-strike at-bat the other day and some quality ABs in Chicago as positives.

"There are signs that he's coming out of this thing though," he said.

Texas (13-12)
Ian Kinsler 2B
Elvis Andrus SS
Michael Young 3B
Andruw Young LF
Hank Blalock DH
Marlon Byrd CF
Nelson Cruz RF
Chris Davis 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
--------
Vincente Padilla (1-2, 7.43 ERA)

Seattle (15-11)
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Mike Sweeney DH
Russell Branyan 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Rob Johnson C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
---------
Erik Bedard (2-1, 2.61 ERA)

The Mariners have three starting pitchers in the American League's top 10 earned run averages - Felix Hernandez (2.38), Erik Bedard (2.61) and Jarrod Washburn (2.97).

One of them, Felix, is starting tonight, though he may not be at his best.

Hernandez had flu-like symptoms during the day but wanted to start and, as the team ace, was allowed to.

We'll see how well or how long he can pitch.

He's never been at his best against Texas (4-8, 4.38), but is on a 4-0 roll to start the '09 season.

It's Hernandez vs. Kevin Millwood.

Let's go.

The Night of Zeroes Ends

Into the fourth inning, both starting pitchers were throwing shutouts, but not even Felix has been able to keep pace with Millwood.

The right-hander just gave up his first run in 22 innings, and the Rangers and Millwood don't look to need much more.
Millwood has retired the first nine Mariners he's faced. His history against Seattle, however, often includes a handful of superb innings followed by one disastrous one. The Mariners will need that inning tonight.

Hernandez is throwing well - 95 mph on a handful of fastballs - but here in the fourth the Rangers have two already.

Rangers 2, Mariners 0

Oops!

After the Mariners went down 1-2-3 in the fourth, the Rangers jumped out to a bigger lead - riding Michael Young's two-run home run to a 4-0 advantage.

Considering Seattle hasn't come close to a hit yet, that's problematical.

To bottom fifth: Rangers 4, Mariners 0

Millwood's disastrous inning shows up

History can repeat itself. Perfect through four, Millwood was tagged by Russell Branyan's seventh home run and came unglued.

Jose Lopez singled, Kenji Johjima doubled, Franklin Gutierrez homered - No. 3 - and Ichiro tripled.

After five: Mariners 4, Rangers 4

Oops!, Part II

Flu-like symptoms or just the occasional bad pitch, it's not Felix's night.

No sooner do the Mariners fight back to tie than Hernandez gives up a single to David Murphy and a home run to Chris Davis - who was batting .186 when the pitch was thrown to him.

To the bottom of six: Rangers 6, Mariners 4

Seattle inching back

Singles by Gutierrez and Yuniesky Betancourt put runners at first and third for Ichiro, who grounded into a fielders choice but got one run in.

That's where it stands afrer seven:

Rangers 6, Mariners 5.

It's over

With runners on first and second and two out, after yuniesky betancourt drew a walk, Ichiro went first-pitch hunting and flied out to end it.

Rangers 6, Mariners 5

The Mariners lineup has been posted and Ken Griffey Jr., who didn't play in Sunday's 15-inning game, isn't in it.

And Adrian Beltre, the cleanup hitter most of the season, has been moved down to fifth.

Junior is sidelined by an inflamed colon, and if you have any doubt how that feels, consider this.

"Lay down on the floor, let me kick you in the ribs a few times," Junior said, smiling. "That'll give you an idea how it feels."

Junior is day-to-day.

Here's the lineup for Game No. 26.
Ichiro RF
Endy Chavez LF
Mike Sweeney DH
Russell Branyan 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jose Lopez 2B
Kenji Johjima C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Felix Hernandez RHP

Here's the daily minor league report from Kelly Munro of the M's. Also you can check out Jay Yencich's weekly report from the USS Mariner.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto's game story from the paper. Luis Munoz got rocked in his Rainiers' debut.
Fresno 11 runs, 17 hits, 0 errors
Tacoma 6 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Box score
Pitching Lines:
RH Luis Muñoz (L, 0-1) 3.2,10,9,9,2,3,5HR
RH Doug Fister 2.1,2,0,0,0,2
RH Brodie Downs 1.0,2,1,1,0,1,WP
RH Jared Wells 1.0,2,1,1,0,0
RH Jesus Delgado 1.0,1,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
CF Mike Saunders (right) 3x3, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB
RF Prentice Redman 2x4, 2 R, BB
3B Mike Morse 1x4, 2 RBI
PH/SS Erick Monzon 1x4
2B Callix Crabbe 1x3, 2 R, BB
Of Note: In the final game of the series, Tacoma lost to Fresno 11-6 on Sunday. Fresno jumped on Tacoma starter Luis Muñoz when Kevin Frandsen, Adam Witter and Jesus Guzman hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the first inning. Eight of the 10 hits Muñoz allowed went for extra bases. Mike Carp went 0x3 yesterday, ending his hitting streak at 7 games. During the streak he hit .448 (13x29) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 6 RBI during his current 7 game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 18 of 21 games this season with an at-bat, batting .345 (30x87) with 22 runs scored, 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 13 RBI. Since returning from the DL, Mike Saunders has hit safely in 2 of 3 games, batting .364 (4x11) with 3 runs scored, 1 double, 2 home runs and 6 RBI. Tacoma shortstop Chris Woodward left the game after being hit in the chest by a Billy Sadler pitch in the bottom of the second inning.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Andy Baldwin (2-1, 1.66 ERA) at Salt Lake

=> Read more!

Wow, what a game yesterday. I will admit, there were times I just wanted it to be over, but in the end, you always feel special being at games like that.

Let's get to some links to get your work week started ...

AUDIO: I forgot to post it this weekend, but I did my usual appearance on the Ian Furness show on Friday, you can listen to that interview here.

From yesterday's thrilling 15-inning marathon ...
Here's my game story and here's the game notebook.

Columnist John McGrath was up at the game and offered his thoughts on the game.

Bob Sherwin was up covering the game for the AP, here's his story.

From other clubhouse ...
Here's Susan Slusser's game story from the SF Chronicle. And here's the gamer from Joe Stiglich of the Bay Area News group.

From Sunday's paper ...
Here's my Sunday baseball column that discusses stealing home. I talked with several players on the Mariners and A's about it.

Also here's TNT contributor and the voice of the Rainiers, Mike Curto's minor league notebook.

* NOTE -- I'm still perusing the my netvibes page and will post some stuff later.

AP photo

Boxscore

Obviously, the clubhouse was quite happy with the win. And expect a few columns on the Mariners winning games like this that they had no prayer of winning last year.

As much as I get on Miguel Batista, he wasn't too bad on Sunday. He still takes an average of 30 seconds in between each pitch and closer to 45 with a runner on. No one got a chance to talk to him as he left the clubhouse relatively quickly, while we were talking to Jakubauskas, who was a bit of a talker. I'm not certain how much Batista wanted to talk anyway. Even with a strong performance, he seems to be relatively unhappy with his role in the bullpen.

Still, manager Don Wakamatsu gave him plenty of praise.

"He put us in the position, your back is to the wall and you need to get as much as you can from him and he ended up throwing 65 pitches,” Wakamatsu said.

I asked Wak after the game about the bullpen and really only Vargas and Batista won't be available tomorrow against the Rangers. He also mentioned the Felix is a little under the weather right now. So something to keep an eye on for tomorrow. But part of the reason why he didn't use Aardsma another inning is to have him available again.

He said his focus was still on winning today's game, but you can't forget about the next day either.

* Yuni's bunt while successful was about the worst possible thing that could have happened. They got lucky there. But hey, at least he got it on the ground. Baby steps.

I'm not sure what Rajai Davis was doing on that pop-up from Jose Lopez, he was awfully confused and I think had he played it properly, the Mariners probably wouldn't have sent Gutierrez because it was so shallow.

Mike Sweeney was pretty happy and realistic about his 200th homer saying he was glad it meant something in the game.

“By no means is it a milestone like (Ken Griffey Jr.) with 600,” he said.

Of course, Sweeney wasn’t guaranteed to hit two homers in the big leagues let alone 200 when he was drafted by Kansas City in the 10th round of the 1991 draft.

“It’s a small milestone for a big league player,” he said. “But for a guy like me that was a late-round draft pick and a guy that takes pride in my work ethic, it’s quite an honor.”

And an honor he almost didn’t get to reach, after getting released by the A’s last September, Sweeney admittedly thought his baseball career might be done.

“Being stuck on 199 for rest of my life wouldn’t have been that much fun,” he said.

From my notes and my game story ...
At the end of the day, this much happened.
• The game went 15 innings and lasted 5 hours and two minutes.
• The teams hitters combined for 131 plate appearances
• The teams used a combined 13 pitchers, with Oakland reliever Gio Gonzalez throwing 108 pitches, while Oakland starter Josh Outman threw only 87 and Mariners’ starter Chris Jakubauskas only 78.
• Speaking of pitches, the Mariners eight pitchers combined for 266 pitches thrown and 162 were strikes. While the A’s used only five pitchers – thanks to Gonzalez – and they combined for 260 pitches and 164 strikes.
• Jose Lopez and Ichiro Suzuki came to bat eight times, while Ryan Sweeney and Orlando Cabrera of the A’s also had eight plate appearances.
• The teams combined to strand 29 base runners and go a collective 7-for-30 with runners in scoring position and still have a total of 30 hits.
• The game was so long there were two seventh inning stretches and two singings of “Take me out to the ball game.”
• I also changed the lead of my story probably eight times.

From the M's ...

ATHLETICS NOTES:
* Josh Outman tied career-high's in both innings pitched, 6.0 (last: 9/28/08 at SEA), and strikeouts with 5 (last: 4/17/09 at TOR). It was his first quality start of the season and the third of his career.
* Ryan Sweeney extended his hitting streak to 12 games, going 3x7 with 1 RBI and a run. During the streak he is hitting .304 (17x56) with 9 runs scored, 5 doubles, 1 home run and 3 RBI. It is the longest hitting streak by an Oakland A’s player this season and coming into Sunday’s game, was tied for the second longest active hitting streak in the American League.
* Kurt Suzuki went 2x6 with a double after having an 8-game hitting streak snapped yesterday… has hit safely in 9 of the last 10 games and is batting .432 (16x37) with 4 runs, 6 doubles, a home run and 10 RBI during those games.
* The A’s have now hit 8 home runs in their last 8 games, after hitting just 3 homers in their first 13 games… have 11 home runs on the season which entering Sunday was the fewest in Majors (SF, 13) and with the major league individual leader (Pena, TB 11).

MARINERS NOTES:
* Seattle recorded it's 7th come-from-behind victory of the season and 2nd this series. It was Seattle’s first win of the season when trailing after 8.0 innings…had been 0-8. This was the team's 3rd walk-off win of the year.
* Today's 5 hour, 2 minute affair was longest game of the season for Seattle both in innings and time… previous high was 10 innings (April 14 vs. LAA) and 3 hours, 20 minutes (April 22 vs. TB)…longest game since 15.0 inning loss to Detroit July 6, 2008. Was 28th game in franchise history of at least 14.0 innings. Seattle is 18-10 in games of at least 14.0 innings.
* Reliever Jason Vargas made his first relief appearance in the Majors since July 3, 2007 at Colorado and tossed 2.1 shutout innings for the win. This was his first major league win since April 13, 2006.
* The Mariners continued their success against left-handed pitching in ’09 and are now 7-1 vs. LH starters.
* Kenji Johjima’s game-tying solo home run in the 9th inning was his first of the season, and the first by a Seattle catcher this year.
* Mike Sweeney hit a 2-run home run in the 4th inning… his first of the season and 200th of his career… he has now recorded a hit in 4 consecutive starts, batting .389 (7x18)... hitting .289 in games started this season (13X45).
* Ichiro Suzuki went 2x7 today, extending his hitting streak against Oakland to 10 games. During the streak he is batting .304 (14x46) with 5 runs, 2 doubles and 5 RBI.
* Wladimir Balentien went 3x5 with a double and has now recorded a multi-hit game in 5 of 9 starts…batting .353 (12x34) overall.
* Jose Lopez recorded his 6th multi-hit game of ‘09 with a trio of singles including the game-winner in the 15th inning… currently has a 5 game hitting streak, including 4 multi-hit games during the streak.
* Denny Stark made his first Major League appearance since July 19th, 2004…1,747 days in between appearances… his last regular season outing as a Mariner came on October 6th, 2001 vs. Texas…was selected from Tacoma May 2nd (Morrow DL).
* Franklin Gutierrez extended his hitting streak to 7 games… is the longest of his career. During the streak, Gutierrez is batting .440 (11x25) with 2 runs scored, 1 home run and 3 RBI.
* Adrian Beltre has a 5-game hitting streak after going 2x6 in the game and is batting .391 (9x23) during the streak, raising his average from .167 to .216.
* Umpire Derryl Cousins worked his 4,000th career MLB game… Cousins, who began his umpiring career in 1979 is one of just 18 Major League umpires ever to reach that milestone.

Outfielder Jerry Owens, who was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox, on May 1st has signed a minor league deal with the Mariners. The move was announced a few minutes ago.

The White Sox decided to DFA Owens to make room for another light hitting outfielder - Scott Podsednik, who was called up from Triple A.

After being DFA'd Owens chose to become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to the minors.

Owens, 28, appeared in 12 games for the Sox this season and had just 12 at-bats.

He's got some speed. He had 32 steals in 2007, but he hasn't proven to be much of a hitter.

Owens will head to Triple A Tacoma on Monday.

I have a feeling we could be seeing some runs scored today. It's a warmer day and hitters won't be afraid to swing. Also Outman - thought it's a small sample size - hasn't been great against right-handed hitters this season (.303 batting average) and the Mariners are rolling out a few of them.

Top of 1st
Well, as I said some runs were going to be scored, the A's manufactured one and Jack Cust drove a hanging breaking ball to the opposite field for a two-run homer. Not many swings and misses in that inning, and a lot of pretty solid contact. Could be a long day.

Bottom of 1st
Well, the Mariners get jobbed on a call to start the inning as Ichiro was clearly safe on an bobbled grounder at short. I didn't need replay to see that, though apparently first base ump Brian Runge did. Wak went out to argue, but he's pretty cool and calm. I wonder what it would take to set him off like this ...

Apparently pop-ups to third could also be an issue today after watching Bobby Crosby lose on a foul ball.

Top of 2nd
Jakubauskas looked a little better that inning, even a swing and a miss on a pitch.

Bottom of 2nd
A nice hustling double from Balentien, but not much else going on there.

Top of 3rd
Jakubauskas looking a little more settled. He got Giambi to chase on a good pitch.

Bottom of 3rd
Somebody might have to remind Yuni that Wak wants him to bunt for a hit every once in a while, not every time.

Top of 4th
Well, Jak gets out of it with the good old third and first move that I haven't seen since work since I was coaching legion baseball back in Montana. If the "31" was called from the dugout (which it often is) score one for the M's. Branyan also made a good play delivering a solid fake to second to get Suzuki cheating.

Bottom of 4th
Lopez with a lead-off single and Mike Sweeney with his first home run of the season. Outman just gutted a fastball down the middle - and though Sweeney may be old - he'll still crush that pitch. A's 3, Mariners 2

Top of 5th
Well the one-run lead went to two as Jakubauskas gave up a lead-off double to Gregorio Petit, who later scored on Ryan Sweeney's sac fly to center. Jakubauskas was lifted after the play, he threw 78 pitches, 52 for strikes. sean White comes in and gets a pair of pop outs from Giambi and Holliday to end the inning.

Bottom of 5th
Not much going on other than Yuni swinging at a pitch over his head.

Top of 6th
Sean White gives up a lead-off single but gets out of it.

Bottom of 6th
Jose Lopez leads off with a single, but is stranded. Adrian Beltre could really use a hit right now.

Top of 7th
Denny Stark is in for the Mariners. Nice guy, nice story. The guy has been through two Tommy John surgeries. He was also part of the trade that sent him, Jose Paniagua and Brian Fuentes to the Rockies for Jeff Cirillo. And speaking of Cirillo, he was here as a scout the other day.

Fast forward to the bottom of the ninth -- I'm skipping a rant about Yuni and his inability to hit the ball to the right side of the field which would have scored another run Ichiro's RBI single in the seventh.

Anyway, Kenji Johjima just hammered a solo homer to left off of Russ Springer to tie the game at 4-4 and then Gutierrez followed with a near perfect bunt for a hit. Bringing up, well, Yuni. And he gets a hit. Well, of course he does. But then Ichiro strikes out. Wait that can't be right, Ichiro strikes out and Yuni gets a hit? Lopez grounds out and we go to bonus panels. Why? Because I'm covering the game.

Top of 10th
nice inning for Aardsma.

Bottom of 10th
Beltre goes up 3-0, then swings and misses at the next two pitches, fouls off four and singles up the middle off off Gio Gonzalez. But he's stranded there.

Top of 11th
Miguel Batista is in, so this game will be decided quickly. You know how players have entrance music, Batista's should be the jeopardy theme song because the takes about that long in between every pitch. John McGrath and Kirby Arnold are timing him up here and its more than 30 seconds between pitches. Somewhere Steve Trachsel grins.

Bottom of 11th
I will not bring up the M's shortstop name in vain any longer, even though I want to rip my eyes out and jump up and down on them.

Top of 12th
Batista doesn't look too bad out there.

Bottom of 12th
Orlando Cabrera is pretty darn good at short. Of course, Sweeney isn't exactly Usain Bolt.

Top of 13th
Well it looked like Batista was going to get out of the inning - and survive a throwing error from Kenji Johjima, but his 2-2 pitch to Landon Powell was called a ball by Derryl Cousins. It was borderline. On the next pitch, Powell doubled to right to score two runs. Batista gave up another run on a RBI single from Orlando Cabrera. A's 7, Mariners 4

Bottom of 13th
Apparently Gio Gonzalez is feeling generous cause he gifted the Mariners a run, after forgetting how to throw a strike and walking in a run. I have no words for what happened. This game will not end, it will not end. Gio Gonzalez is a like birthday present that keeps on giving.

Bottom of the 15th
Gutierrez leads off with a single, Yuni tries to offer up sac bunt, but bunts it back to Dana Eveland, who promptly throws it away trying to get the lead runner. An absolute gift. I admire the fans who stayed, but booing because Ichiro is being intentionally walked is just dumb.

The War of attrition is over. Jose Lopez with a gork

A's
Ryan Sweeney CF
Orlando Cabrera SS
Jason Giambi 1B
Matt Holliday LF
Jack Cust RF
Kurt Suzuki DH
Bobby Crosby 3B
Gregorio Petit 2B
Landon Powell C
----------
Josh Outman (0-0, 5.23 ERA)

Mariners
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Mike Sweeney DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Russell Branyan 1B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Kenji Johjima C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
------------
Chris Jakubauskas P

First a few housekeeping things ...
* Brandon Morrow felt good after throwing a bullpen on Saturday and Wakamatsu will have him throw probably two more bullpens and be ready to pitch immediately when he comes off the DL on May 9th.

* Ryan Rowland-Smith will throw a bullpen session on Monday and then possibly a simulated game when the team is in Texas and then sent out on a rehab assignment.

* Ronny Cedeno is now 100 percent and cleared for all activity. He'll probably get a start in the next day or two.

* Ok, let's get to Carlos Silva.

Honestly, I thought with the call-up of Jason Vargas - a starter in Tacoma - along with Denny Stark and Brandon Morrow really only spending 7 days on the disabled list that Wakamatsu was setting himself up to be able to skip one of Silva's starts and have Vargas fill in, giving Silva some sort of mental break.

Yesterday, he and Wakamatsu were talking quite extensively during yesterday's batting practice out in center field.

"Everybody is talking about what do we do with Carlos Silva?" Wakamatsu said. "The best thing for this organization and team is for him to pitch well. The second thing is, what are our options? And those are the things I talked to him about."

Wakamatsu is trying to salvage Silva as a starter, but even he admits that if Silva's struggles continue, something will have to change.

"At some point he’s going to have to make some adjustments and be that guy, if not we have to make adjustments," Wakamatsu said. "But at this point going forward, is that rope shorter? Yeah. At some point, he’s going to have to come out and give us a good outing."

And the conversation?

"His stuff is there and that’s what we talked about with the understanding that the same thing, that 'hey we're giving you opportunities and we trust in your stuff or we wouldn’t be giving you the opportunity to be out here."

Wakamatus believes its so mostly mental with Silva.

"He has some skeletons in the closet obviously with the failures he had here with the performance he had last year," Wakamatsu said. "You just keep hammering away trying to build his confidence and say, 'It's up to you, at what point is your confidence level going to match your stuff?' Because the stuff is there, the other night he threw 95 miles per hour."

Wakamatsu was asked if a normal pitcher has 10 feet of rope, how much is Silva at now?

"It’s easier in the sense that we’re 3-2 when he starts, if we were 0-5 when he starts then that rope – we have to make adjustments," he said. "Those are the things we look at every day."

Wakamatsu also seemed uneasy in shaking up the bullpen with a major move like that.

"When everybody is healthy in our bullpen, I like our bullpen," he said. "So if it gets to that point where we have to shuffle that, it takes away from other avenues."

As far as I can tell, Silva will make his next scheduled start, which Wakamatsu hinted toward.

"He’s willing to do just about anything he can because he’s not happy with his performance," Wakamatsu said. "He cares a lot about helping this club. We’ll go out and see in his next outing and make the adjustment from there."

* As for pinch hitting, which is something we didn't ask directly (sorry Dave and DMZ, but I was going to ask) but ended up getting there when discussing players' confidence. And then we followed up upon.

"I’ve seen certain managers where – and that’s what we talked about the first month of the season – where you make or break guys pinch hitting that early," he said. "The same thing with the minor leagues. Some organizations frown on the fact that you ever pinch hit in A ball at least. When I was running the system in Anaheim, we had a philosophy where we wouldn’t do that with guys for that same reason, you can see it magnified it in the big leagues."

So far the Mariners have pinch hit just four times this season. But expect that number to grow as the season goes on.

"And a lot of that has to do with personnel and how you feel about the match-ups," he said. "I’m not sitting saying that’s all I care about is people’s feelings. What I’m saying if the options are there as we go forward and get later in the seasons, at least we have established why we would do that in that situation and guys would understand it a little bit more. But it really depends on what tools you have available at the time and how they are swinging."

When asked if he thought it was easier to pinch hit for an older guy who's been around, Wak just chuckled.

"Veterans have pride," he said. "I think it’s two ways. You can take the confidence away from a young player, or you can also get some pretty disgruntled guys when you do that. I think it depends on what you‘ve established to that point, on why you do those things. I think it's critical to this team that they understand why we do things. And I do say, we."

A few notes on the lineups and I'll have some pregame Wakamatsu meeting notes as well.

Suzuki gets the Ichiro "day off" by DHing allowing the A's to play talented young catcher Landon Powell. Jack Cust is in right field, and that could and should be an adventure.

A's
Ryan Sweeney CF
Orlando Cabrera SS
Jason Giambi 1B
Matt Holliday LF
Jack Cust RF
Kurt Suzuki DH
Bobby Crosby 3B
Gregorio Petit 2B
Landon Powell C
----------
Josh Outman (0-0, 5.23 ERA)

Mariners
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Mike Sweeney DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Russell Branyan 1B
Wladimir Balentien LF
Kenji Johjima C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
------------
Chris Jakubauskas P

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Fresno RAINED OUT
Tacoma
Of Note: Last night’s PCL game between Tacoma and Fresno was post. The game will be made up as part of a double header in Tacoma on Sunday, August 2nd. Both games on the 2nd will be 7 inning games. Today’s game between Tacoma and Fresno will be played as scheduled. Mike Carp is hitting .448 (13x29) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 6 RBI during his current 7-game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 18 of 21 games this season, batting .337 (28x83) with 20 runs scored, 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 13 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Luis Munoz (1-1, 3.74 ERA w/West Tenn) vs. Fresno

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
West Tennessee 14 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
Birmingham 4 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Justin Souza (W, 1-1) 5.0,1,1,1,1,4,HR
RH Aaron Cotter 2.0,6,3,3,0,1
LH Nick Hill 2.0,0,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
LF Greg Halman (right) 3x5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB
2B Mel Stocker 3x6, R, RBI
1B Marshall Hubbard 2x5, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
3B Matt Mangini 2x4, R, 2 RBI, BB
CF Ezequiel Carrara 1x5, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI, BB
DH Javier Brito 1x3, R, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx brought the lumber on Saturday in Birmingham. West Tenn took game 3 of the series, after dropping the first 2 to the Barons 14-4. The Jaxx sent 15 batters to the plate in the top of the 6th and scored 10 runs, their largest output of the year and leading 14-1 after 6 innings. Every Jaxx start would get a hit in the game and 4 Jaxx collected multi-hit games. Five Jaxx collected multi-RBI games. Greg Halman picked up his 9th homer of the year in the first now has a league leading 27 runs batted in. He has knocked in 21 RBI in his last 11 games. During this stretch he has hit .302 (13x43) with 10 runs scored, 2 doubles, 7 home runs and 21 RBI. Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 21 games. He is currently batting .359 (28x78) with 23 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 12 RBI and 5 stolen bases. Justin Souza allowed an earned run in the 2nd inning, ending his streak at 15.0 inning. After allowing 3 runs in his first appearance of the season, Souza has allowed only 1 earned run in his last 19.0 inning, lowering his ERA from 27.00 to 1.80 ERA.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Steven Hensley (4-0, 0.00 w/Clinton) at Birmingham

=> Read more!

General manager Jack Zduriencik, the ever-vigilant, has found another pitcher for the Seatle system - 26-year-old right-hander Steven Shell.

Shell was designated for assignment last week by the Washington Nationals, and Zduriencik signed him to a minor league contract and assigned him to Tacoma.

Originally drafted by the Angels, Shell made his big-league debut last year, appeared in 39 games and went 2-2 with a 2.16 earned run average with the Nationals - the third best ERA among National League rookies with at least 50 innings pitched.

This year, he appeared in four games with Washington and had a 5.40 ERA.

Brandon Morrow is upset, Rob Johnson is catching and both teams are wearing 1939-style uniforms in a Turn Back the Clock promotion.

Morrow's on the disabled list, Kenji Johjima is getting the night off and Ken Griffey Jr. is back as the designated hitter against a right-handed Oakland starter.

Mariners have won six in a row from the Athletics, so hit the couch and tune in.
Jarrod Washburn vs. Trevor Cahill.

And we're off.

Branyan time - again

Russell Branyan led off the second inning with another towering home run to left-center field, his sixth home run of the season.

In his 18 games with Seattle, he's batting .342 with six home runs, 14 RBI and 16 strikeouts.

The Mariners will live with those strikeouts if his RBI total keeps pace.

After two: Mariners 1, Athletics 0

Does almost scoring count?

The Mariners made as little of two hits and a walk in the third inning as possible.

Ichiro opened with a single and, with Chavez att he plate, took off on a hit-and-run play. For whatever reason, Ichiro broke stride looking toward the plate, Chavez swung through the pitch and Ichiro was called out on a bang-bang play at first.

If Ichiro doesn't break stride, he's safe.

What followed: a walk to Chavez and a two-out double for Adrian Beltre. Chavez almost scored from first base but was cut down at home on a second close play.

A lost run, maybe two.

Here come the Athletics

Through five innings, Washburn had thrown 70 pitches and shut out Oakland on three hits, and led 1-0.

He'd pitched out of trouble, and nearly did it again in the sixth.

Instead, A two-out double into the right field corner by Jason Giambi chased home the tying run. Washburn intentionally walked Matt Holiday to get to the left-handed hitting Jack Cust.

Lefty vs. lefty, Washburn got an easy fly ball.

To the bottom of six: Mariners 1, Athletics 1

Here come the Mariners

One out into the seventh, Franklin Gutierrez singles for the second time - he's 2-for-2 - and Yuniesky Betancourt singles him to second base.

Ichiro bloops his second hit into right field to load the bases for Chavez. With the infield looking for a bunt, Chavez swung away and flied deep to left field, chasing Gutierrez home with the go-ahead run.

Washburn is done, Mark Lowe is in to pitch.

After seven: Mariners 2, Athletics 1

That didn't last long

A little bad luck, a few bad pitches, and there went Seattle's lead.

A one out attempt at a diving cath by Chavez in left gave Ryan Sweeney a double when it skipped by, but Lowe got Orlando Cabrera on a fly ball.

Giambi's two-out single tied the game.

With Morrow out, the Mariners bullpen is a different animal. David Aardsma is the closer, Shawn Kelley the setup man/co-closer, meaning the team was hoping to find another arm to get them to the ninth tonight.

Lowe got the first chance, and lost a one-run lead..

To bottom eighth: Mariners 2, Athletics 2

Ugh. And that's final

Oakland pushed home a run in the ninth against Aardsma - one that Ichiro's strong throw from right field almost prevented.

Seattle went 1-2-3 in the ninth.

Athletics 3, Mariners 2

Sorry for the brief post, but it came from the blackberry. And I also had to go to the A's clubhouse before I head back to Tacoma for the Rainiers.

As I mentioned earlier, Brandon Morrow has been placed on the disabled list with biceps tendonitis. The injury is retroactive to April 24th and means he's eligible to come off the DL on May 9th. Denny Stark has been called up and according to manager Don Wakamatsu will be used in the 5th to 7th inning range.

As expected, David Aardsma will step in and fill the closer's role for the time being and Shawn Kelley will most likely be used as the eighth inning set-up man.

Morrow wasn't pleased about going on the disabled list and thinks he can pitch.

"I didn't want to go on the disabled list," he said. "I told them I'm ready to pitch. We argued, they won the argument."

"We talked about it last night, and the decision was made before I got here this morning," he said. "It started last night because I asked why I hadn't been called upon.

As for his side of the argument, Morrow pointed to having the same issue last season.

"My argument was that I went through this last year, and after four or five days I was fine for the rest of the year," he said. "What they're doing is for my safety, I understand that. But I'm frustrated. I haven't been out there in a week, I don't feel it at all."

When asked if he was angry, Morrow said: "I'm not angry. I'm not injured. I came to the park today ready to pitch, and now I'm on the DL."

Wakamatsu offered these thoughts ...

"We had talked to him about being available," Wakamatsu said. "But it's kind of at that point where if we are little bit proactive we can allow him probably seven or eight days ... where we can kind of control it a little bit more. It was the best move for Brandon and the best move for the club."

Morrow will throw a bullpen today and the Mariners will see how he reacts tomorrow and if it goes well, he'll throw bullpens every other day till he's eligible to come off.

"When it got 2-2, i got a little nervous, I told myself relax," Lopez said after the game. "He threw me everything, change-up, slider, everything I finally said this is my time to win the game."

Look at the this ...

Here's MLB.com's complete Gameday sequence of the at-bat ...

Here's the MLB.com video of it.

Here's the pitch f/x breakdown of the at-bat

Here's today's minor league report, thanks always to Kelly Munro of the Mariners

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Todd Milles' game story from last night
Fresno 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
Tacoma 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Gaby Hernandez (L, 0-2) 7.0,6,4,3,1,3,HR
RH Eric Hull 2.0,1,0,0,1,3
With the Bats:
RH Prentice Redman (right) 2x2, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB
DH Mike Carp 1x3, R, HR, RBI
CF Freddy Guzman 1x4, 2B
Of Note: Fresno scored 4 runs in the 6th inning, rallying for a 4-3 victory over Tacoma on Friday night. Trailing 3-0, Fresno tied the score on a 3-run homer by Jesus Guzman. The Grizzlies took the lead later in the 6th inning when an error by left fielder Mike Saunders allowed Ryan Rohlinger to score. Prentice Redman and Mike Carp each hit home runs for the Rainiers. Tacoma starter Gaby Hernandez allowed 4 runs (3 ER) in 7.0 innings and took the loss to fall to 0-2. For the 1st time in 627 minor-league games, infielder Mike Morse played at second base. He started in place of Callix Crabbe, who jammed his wrist sliding into a base Thursday. Right-handed relievers Jared Wells and Luiz Muñoz were promoted from AA West Tennessee, and were on the active roster Friday. Muñoz will make at a spot start Sunday. Mike Carp is hitting .448 (13x29) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 6 RBI during his current 7- game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 18 of 21 games this season, batting .337 (28x83) with 20 runs scored, 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 13 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Doug Fister (0-0, 2.84 ERA) vs. Fresno

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
West Tennessee 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Birmingham 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Ryan Patrick 6.0,5,3,3,2,3,HR,HB
RH Mumba Rivera (L, 2-2) 2.0,2,1,1,2,4,WP
With the Bats:
CF Ezequiel Carrera (right)2x3, R, RBI, BB, SB
2B Mel Stocker 1x3, 2B, SB, HP
3B Matt Mangini 1x4, R
RF Brent Johnson 1x4
Of Note: Jaxx starter, Patrick Ryan dealt his 2nd quality start in a row, dealing 6.0 innings, allowing 3 runs while scattering 5 hits. Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 20 games. He is currently batting .370 (27x73) with 21 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 9 RBI and 5 stolen bases. Carrera is leading the Southern League in average an on-base percentage. Justin Souza has not allowed an earned run in his last 14.0 consecutive innings. During this stretch he has limited opponents to a .192 (10x52) batting average, while walking 2 and striking out 13.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Justin Souza (0-1, 1.80) at Birmingham

A High Desert (California League)
High Desert 6 runs, 10 hits, 3 errors
Rancho Cucamonga 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Juan Ramirez 5.1,4,2,1,1,2,WP,HB
RH Natividad Dilone (W, 1-0) 1.2,0,0,0,0,1,HB
RH Aaron Jensen 1.0,2,3,3,1,1
RH Phillippe Aumont (right) (S, 3) 1.0,0,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
C Travis Scott 2x4, R, HR, RBI
1B Ian Bladergroen 2x3, 2B, 3 RBI, BB
DH Joe Dunigan 2x4, 2 R, SB
CF Tyson Gillies 1x4, R, 3B
Of Note: For the 2nd straight night the Mavs broke a game wide open with a big 7th inning rally, using 4 runs in the 7th on Friday night to beat Rancho Cucamonga 6-5. Phillippe Aumont picked up his 3rd save of the season, tossing a scoreless 9th inning. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 9.1 innings (9 G). This season he has allowed only 1 run in 11.1 innings, while walking 6 and striking out 10 and has limited opponents to .189 (7x37) average. Joe Dunigan has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, batting .447 (21x47) with 14 runs scored, 11 extrabase hits and 13 RBI. Juan Diaz has hit safely in 17 of 19 games this season with 5 multi-hit games, batting .360
(27x75) with 15 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 7 RBI. Edilio Colina went 0x3 in the game ending his hitting streak at 11 games. During the streak he hit .333 (16x48). Alex Liddi hit safely in 17 of 21 games this season, batting .381 (32x84) with 10 multi-hit games.
Today’s probable starter:
LH Donnie Hume (1-0, 5.19 ERA) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest Lg.)
Fort Wayne 1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors
Clinton 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Kenn Kasparek (right) (W, 1-2) 5.2,1,0,0,0,10
RH Greg Moviel 0.0,1,1,1,3,0
RH Cheyne Hann 2.1,1,0,0,0,2
RH Ruben Flores (S, 3) 1.0,0,0,0,1,0
With the Bats:
LF Denny Almonte 2x4, R, HR, RBI
DH Scott Savastano 2x4, 2B, RBI, SB
CF Daniel Carroll 2x4
2B Ogui Diaz 1x3, R, HR, RBI
Of Note: After 2 shaky outings and a solid no-decision in his first 3 starts, Kenn Kasparek finally displayed his old University of Texas dominance Friday night, striking out a career-high 10 batters over 5.2 innings as Clinton beat Fort Wayne, 4-1. Kasparek retired the first 11 men he faced before allowing a 2-out double to Sawyer Carroll in the 4th. He went on to retire the next 6 before being lifted due to pitch count.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Walter Suriel (0-1, 2.00 ERA) vs. Quad Cities

Kenji Johjima came off the disabled list and slid right into the Seattle lineup tonight.

He may not catch six of seven games a week, as he has in the past, but he's in this one, and Rob Johnson is not.

Jamie Burke was designated for assignment, making him available on waivers to all 29 other teams. If he clears waivers, Burke has said he'll return to Tacoma.

Joh's back, and here's the lineup :
Ichiro RF
Chavez LF
Sweeney DH
Beltre 3B
Branyan 1B
Lopez 2B
Johjima C
Gutierrez CF
Betancourt SS
Silva RHP

Here's the minor league report, provided to us by the reliable and diligent Kelly Munro of the Mariners.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)

UPDATE (10:55 a.m.) --- Third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has been placed no the 7-day disabled list today. I haven't got official confirmation as to why, but most likely its a sore throwing arm that has prevented him from playing in the field since joining the Rainiers.

Here's my game story

Fresno 1 run, 3 hits, 2 errors
Tacoma 6 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
LH Garrett Olson (right)(W, 2-2) 6.2,1,1,1,2,6
RH Denny Stark 0.1,0,0,0,2,1
LH Cesar Jimenez 1.0,2,0,0,0,2
RH Randy Messenger 1.0,0,0,0,0,2
With the Bats:
1B Mike Carp 2x4, 2 R, 2B
LF Mike Saunders 1x4, R, HR, 3 RBI
RF Prentice Redman 1x3, R, RBI, BB
CF Freddy Guzman 1x2, R, RBI, SF
Of Note: Garrett Olson and 3 others combined on a 3-hitter Thursday night as Tacoma beat Fresno 6-1. Olson went 6.2 innings, taking a no-hitter into the 7th inning and striking out 6. Relievers Denny Stark, Cesar Jimenez and Randy Messenger finished the game, allowing no runs. Mike Saunders, who missed the start of the season while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, was activated Thursday and placed in the starting lineup, playing left field and batting second. He broke open a scoreless game in 3rd inning, hitting a 3-run homer to right field off Fresno starter
Matt Kinney. Mike Carp is hitting .462 (12x26) with 8 runs scored, 4 extra-base hits and 5 RBI during his current 6- game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 17 of 20 games this season, batting .321 (26x81) with 19 runs scored, 4 doubles, 6 home runs and 11 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Gaby Hernandez (0-1, 7.45 ERA) vs. Fresno

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
Story from the Jackson Sun
West Tennessee 2 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors

Birmingham 13 runs, 16 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
LH Danny Christensen (L, 0-1) 3.0,10,6,6,0,3,HR
RH Steve Bray 4.0,1,0,0,1,4,BK
RH Josh Fields 0.2,3,5,1,0,0
RH Marwin Vega 0.1,2,2,2,0,0,HR
With the Bats:
1B Johan Limonta 2x3, 2 2B
RF Mel Stocker 2x5, R, SB
C Adam Moore (right)1x5, R, HR, RBI
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx drop game 1 of the 5 game series with the Barons, 13-2 on Thursday night. The Barons scored 7 runs in the 8th inning to pad the win. The Jaxx scored a run in the 5th inning on a passed ball and error by Barons' catcher, Jared Price. Mel Stocker scored the run. Adam Moore hit his 2nd long ball of the year in the 6th inning, a solo blast.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Patrick Ryan (1-1, 12.00 ERA) at Birmingham

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