Hisashi Iwakuma gets a win for his 32nd birthday

As Hisashi Iwakuma gets set to take the mound for the Seattle Mariners there were two questions on the minds of Mariners' fans. Will Iwakuma be able to end the three game losing streak? And will the Mariners be able to make it through a game without losing another player? The answer to both questions was yes.

Tonight Hisashi Iwakuma celebrated his 32^nd birthday by pitching a strong 6 and 2/3 innings as he struck out 6 and only walked 1 on 90 pitches. It was three innings before the Texas Rangers even had a hit against Iwakuma. That one hit accounted for the only run the Rangers would get as Ian Kinsler hit a home run. Iwakuma was able to get the next five batters out until giving up a single with 2 outs in the 5^th inning. In the 6^th inning Iwakuma gave up a hit but was able to get the next three batters out. Iwakuma had 2 quick outs in the 7^th inning before manager Eric Wedge pulled him.

Charlie Furbush takes over with 2 outs in the 7^th inning were he gives up a hit and walks a batter. Now, with 2 runners on and still 2 outs Eric Wedge takes charlie Furbush out of the game. Stephen Pryor comes in and gets a strike to end the Ranger threat.

Stephen Pryor stays in the game to pitch the 8^th inning. He starts out by getting the first batter to hit a fly ball out. Then he gives up a single before getting another fly out. Another single and another fly out ends the inning. Stephen Pryor manages to get through the inning without giving up a run keeping it 3-1 Mariners.

With the Mariners still leading by 2 runs Eric Wedge brings Tom 'the bartender' Wilhelmsen in to close the game. Giving his best performance yet Tom Wilhelmsen gets 3 fly outs to get his 4^th save of the young season. Tom Wilhelmsen's performance breaks the Mariners three game skid and gives Hisashi Iwakuma a win for his 32^nd birthday present.

On the offensive side for the Seattle Mariners they did all the damage they needed in the 1^st inning. It didn't start off to well as Endy Chavez hit a fly ball for a quick out. Yu Darvish hit Jason Bay with a pitch to put him on 1^st. Kendrys Morales hit a single moving Jason Bay down to 2^nd. Raul Ibanez gets a single to score Jason Bay. One out later Kyle Seager gets a double to score both Kendrys Morales and Raul Ibanez. Kelly Shoppach strikes out to end the inning but not before the Mariners get their 3 runs.