Good Friday Night Win

I finally went to a Mariners game Friday night at Safeco Field. They didn’t disappoint me though it was a close game.

Mike Leake started out slow again in his second start for the Mariners however he was able to go six innings and keep the team in the game. He once again gave up two runs in the first inning however a ball went by first baseman Yonder Alonso that he should have stopped instead scored two runs. If he had stopped the ball only one run would have scored. It was nice that they were able to make a double play to end any more scoring.

Ben Gamel was the player of the game for the Mariners since he hit a three run homer to put the Mariners up 3-2. Later on he made a catch going up on the wall in left field to save a run and likely the game.

The deciding run was a hit by Mitch Haniger in the third inning. It would have been nice if the Mariners could have scored a few more runs in some of the innings after the 3^rd though it did give drama to the game.

A young 8 year old boy was behind me with his mother. He had his mitt so I told him it was his job to protect us all in our section just in case a ball came our way. We did have a couple that was not too far away from us. I couldn’t see where they were so I ducked. The boy later bought a couple small bats and he had a ball he got that was signed by Jean Segura and a great evening for him.

It was nice to get more solid exercise going up and down the stairs. It would be nice to do that on a regular basis.

The bullpen had a solid outing with only Vincent and Diaz giving up hits in three innings. Diaz did look good though he gave up a hit. I imagined he would give up a home run however he struck out two including the last out of the game. Made the ride home nice and sweet.

Getting the first game of the series after being swept against the Astros will give the Mariners opportunity to take the series against the Angels. The Mariners are going against subpar starting pitching in these two remaining games compared to what they faced against the Astros. Since the Angels and Mariners are close for the wild care it would be extremely important that the Mariners can sweep the Angels.