It was pretty dire, with the M's down 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth, but after so many letdowns, a little Mariner magic was due. It started with Sweeney walking, Lopez walking, Bradley wakling, and then Kotchman walking in Michael Saunders, (who pitch ran for Sweeney). Then, new addition Josh Bard hit a long flyball to left in order to score Lopez.
With the game tied, it came down to Junior, the Mariner who has been under the most scrutiny as of late. Pinch hitting for Josh Wilson, Junior laced a single into Rightfield that brought Bradley around to score the game winner.
Pitching wise, Vargas was sold through 6 & 2/3, getting another quality start while allowing only 3 runs, 5 hits, and 2 walks. From there, Kaneoka Texeira and Shawn Kelley were solid, Kelley picking up the win.
This game was historic for Don Wakamatsu for two reasons: #1. It was his 100th win as the manager of the Mariners, his overall record being 100-103 (.492). #2. After arguing a play in which Ichiro was caught stealing, Wakamatsu was ejected from a game for the first time. Many specualte he did it to stir up the team, ala Lou Piniella.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Both Bard and Griffey deserve this, as Griffey reinstated his hold on the title of greatest Mariner ever and Bard not only kept it alive with his sac fly, but also had a couple hits as well. I hope Bard entrenches himself as the starting catcher as his bat and ability to block bounced pitches has been far superior to Johnson and Moore.
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