Mariners Shut Out in Opening Game

I am sure all Mariner fans were disappointed because they lost on opening day. King Felix was only about to go five innings because he came down with a groin injury. He expects that he will be able to return for his next start.

In the five innings that he pitched he gave up five hits and two home runs. The first homer was to the leadoff batter Springer. Felix considered it the worst pitch he threw all night. The second homer was to Correa that was considered a good pitch. On the radio post-game show analyst and former Mariner Mike Blowers said that the only other right handed hitter he thought could hit the ball that way in his time was Edgar Martinez. You sometimes have to give the batter credit too. The positive side Felix did not walk a batter in the game either.

The Mariners did get shut out in the game 3-0. The other run given up by the Mariners was by Nick Vincent who struggled somewhat in the game. The Astros starter Keuchel gave up only two hits in seven innings to the Mariners. He was outstanding though he walked two and struck out four. Shortstop Jean Segura got two of the three hits by the Mariners in his Mariner debut including the lead-off hit in the game. He was able to get to second base but was stranded there. The third hit was by Robinson Cano.

Again the Mariners were unable to give Felix running support. We hope that the Mariners will be able to get untracked tonight against the Astros. It would be nice to split the first two games of the series by scoring more runs Tuesday night while Iwakuma goes for the Mariner. It will be more difficult for the Mariners to do something in the series if they lose again Tuesday although a lot easier to hit against the Astros third and fourth starters.

In other local sports Gonzaga lost to North Carolina in the final game of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 71-65. What made it difficult was that they went like eleven minutes without scoring a point. We will have to see if they can return to the finals again next season. I was very impressed in freshman center Zach Collins who moves very well for a big man and can pass the ball good too. Thank you the Bulldogs to making the people of Washington State proud. We hope in the future the Huskies and Cougars can match up with you.