Another year, another opening day at
Oakland with Felix Hernandez pitching and another win. It has become
a familiar sight for Mariner fans the past few years. It has also
been a sight that we hope to see for years to come. There is nothing
that gets a true fan more excited then to see 'The King' take his
rightful place on that mound to pitch the first game of the year.
We were sure what to expect from the
Mariners' offense when the started off the game at bat. Franklin
Gutierrez stepped up to home plate and struck out. Then Micheal
Sanders and Kendrys Morales followed suit and also struck out. It
wasn't looking to good for our team. Then Felix walked up to the
mound for the bottom half of the first causing any disappointment, in
the way the game started, disappear. We cheered as 'The King' throw
out his first pitch. He quickly made work of the first three Oakland
batters.
As the second inning started and
Micheal Morse struck out our hopes were dashed once more. We held our
breath as Justin Smoak came up to bat wondering which version of him
will show up. Then he walked as we all let out the breath we have
been holding in ever since he stepped in the batter's box. Kyle
Seager was up next and gave us hope as he had a base hit moving
Justin Smoak down to second. With two runners on and only one out
Jesus Montero steps up and quickly hits into a fielder's choice. With
runners at second and third Dustin Ackerly steps up to the plate
causing our hopes to soar. He flies out to end the top of the second
with the score still at nil. Then Felix takes the mound for the
bottom of the inning. He promptly gets the first players to hit a
ground ball to third base. Then, he strikes out the next two batters,
in a sight we have grown familiar with from 'The King'.
The third and forth innings are both
pretty similar to the second inning as neither side scored. The fifth
inning starts with Jesus Montero grounding out we all thought it was
going to be another scoreless inning. Then Dustin Ackerly walks,
Brendan Ryan doubles and Franklin Gutierrez hits a single. Suddenly,
it is 2-0 Mariners and we all start to celebrate knowing that with
“The King' on the mound we can't lose. He makes quick work of the
athletics in the bottom of the fifth.
The sixth inning goes by quickly with
neither side reaching base. The seven starts with both Jesus Montero
and Dustin Ackerly making two quick out. Brendan Ryan walks and
steals second giving us all hope that more scoring is about to come.
Franklin Gutierrez flies out and the scoring opportunity is gone.
Felix takes the mound for the bottom half of the seventh and promptly
gets two outs. He gives up a double and walk making everyone nervous.
The manager, Eric Wedge, comes out and pulls Felix out of the game.
Charlie Furbush takes over and gives up a walk to load thew bases. He
gets pulled and replaced by Stephen Pryor who gets the next batter to
ground out.
The top of the ninth goes quick as Kyle
Seager, Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackerly all strike out. When the
bottom of the inning starts we see Tom 'The Bartender' Wilhelmsen
walk up to the mound assuring us of a win. He gets two quick outs but
then gives up a walk making the game look like it is in danger. He
manages to get the next batter to hit a fly ball to end the game for
his first save of the season.
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