NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Brandon Choate gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma are pacing the other startes while Tom Wilhelmsen has been perfect in closingh situations. Kameron Loe and Brandon Maurer on the other hand would like to start this season over already. Loe is a Cub, now we get Aaron Harang, we’ll see how he does.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell tells us to him the best “MY oh MY” play of the first week of the year had to be the two homerun performance of Mariners OF, Michael Morse. Morse went deep in the 3rd, and 9th innings, en route to a 4 RBI game, and his first two homeruns on the year. A free agent signing that already seems to be paying off for Jack Z and the M’s
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the fourth game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out the offensive production is hiding behind the power of Mike Morse, but it stinks like years past all the same. Power is often assimilated with the third spot in the lineup, which is absolutely something DH/OF Raul Ibanez possesses, but this is not a good place for him writes Jeff.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the second game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out that leadoff hits and two-out rallies were key in the 7-1 victory. Hisashi Iwakuma also had a great showing, along with Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager. If there’s anything to not like, it’s Yoenis Cespedes. But in this case, hate equals respect.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the first game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Felix Hernandez shines as the Mariners win their 7th straight opening day game. Jeff points out the bullpen, Charlie Furbush, Pryor, and Tom Wilhelmsen surrendered two walks in only 1.1 IP. That trend cannot continue, because hits will come too. Next game check out Michael Morse and his really strange batting stretch-thing.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: an eight inning collapse by the bullpen gives the A’s life, as they complete their sweep of the Mariners. Seattle hangs tough all day with strong starting pitching, but the bullpen blows it in the final frames of the game. Michael Saunders batting sixth. Miguel Olivo at DH and Jesus Montero at catcher. Bizarre lineup.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the second game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Tommy Milone mows over the M’s as Oakland completes the sweep. Despite a healthy outfield and a new lineup, Oakland and Milone prove too much for the Mariner’s in this series finale. Alex Liddi went 1-for-3 and scored a run in his first start since June 9th.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners series matchup between the Oakland Athletics vs. M’s at Safeco Field its Game 139. The pitching matchup features PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (4-0, 2.26 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (13-6, 2.51). In a scheduling rarity, Hernandez’s first three starts this season were against the Athletics, including the season opener in March.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the 2012 American League West division. Since June 12th, the A’s are 30-12. In that time they’ve lost just two series, while sweeping twice—including a series against the New York Yankees. It’s been a rough week for Texas Rangers pitchers. Undergoing surgery to repair his forearm, Colby Lewis (6-6, 3.43 ERA) will be out for the rest of the season. The M’s are on fire.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin asks the important question tonight have the M’s turned the franchise corner? Yes, if their last 5 wins mean anything it is hope. Never underestimate hope, especially in a season as disappointing as this one. Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager and Jesus Montero. These are big names.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the first game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. As is the ongoing trend with these “love ‘em/hate ‘ems” I must make a note that Seattle’s lineup was absolutely horrendous tonight. Oakland’s offense had just as hard a time tonight as Seattle’s, and it’s all because of starting pitcher Kevin Millwood. An incredibly boring game.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners series matchup with the Oakland Athletics. PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Kevin Millwood (3-6, 4.00 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (8-6, 3.73) in the series opener. Millwood missed his last start due to the fact he was licking his wounds. Which is bad when you have a groin injury.
