M’s Take 3 Of 4 From Tribe

I only got to see the last couple innings of this game (I don’t like waking up at 10 during the Summer), but I’ll do my best to recap. The Mariners got ahead early on a Russell Branyan two run bomb and a Franklin Gutierrez RBI single.

It was nice to see Branyan hit one out, as he’s been slumping a little bit lately and has also been suffering from a sore back. Also was nice to see Chris Shelton with a nice double, he scored on Franklin’s single.

Erik Bedard was unable to hold the lead, though, giving up two runs in the second on a Ben Francisco long ball, and then giving up a third run in the fifth on a Jose Lopez error. He was pulled after 4 2/3 innings and 92 pitches. His line on the night was 4.2 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 earned, 3 walks, and 6 K’s. If he can cut down on those walks a little bit he should be able to at least get 5 or 6 innings consistently.

Seattle took a 4-3 lead in the eighth on a Jack Hannahan sac fly, then added one more insurance run in the ninth on a Franklin Gutierrez fielder’s choice. Gutz was 2-5 on the night, with 2 RBI and a stolen base.

The Indians made it interesting in the ninth, though, bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs in the form of Victor Martinez. Martinez belted a high fly ball to deep right field, taking Ichiro all the way to the wall, but Ichiro was able to make a leaping catch to secure a Mariners win and series victory. David Aardsma picked up his 22nd save of the year, and Shawn Kelley picked up the win.

Other news and game notes:

-Ichiro’s hit streak was snapped yesterday, but he started a new one today, going 3-4.

-The Angels pulled out a 10 inning victory against the A’s, so we remain four games back. The Rangers are leading the Twins 1-0 in the 2nd as I type this.

-Off day tomorrow, and then we start a three game series in Detroit. Fortunately, we’ll miss Edwin Jackson and Justin Verlander. The Angels play the Royals next.

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