Mariners Analysis: M’s Beaten By Old Friend

I used to like Erasmo Ramirez. For a lot of reasons.

Jun 4, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Erasmo Ramirez (30) smacks his glove after leaving the game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

He didn’t look the part. I root for guys like that.

He threw strikes. He threw slow. He threw a lot of pitches, none of which went straight. I root for guys like that.

They need to use the entire kitchen sink to beat you. The other team doesn’t think you should be able to beat them, and when you do, it just feels good. I root for guys like that.

Guys like that remind me of myself. I can identify with it. I’m partial. I root for guys like that.

Well, Erasmo Ramirez ultimately couldn’t stick in Seattle. And then he found a home in Tampa Bay. And he’s been average for the Rays (4-2, 5.10). But last night, in typical fashion, he came back home to stick it to the Mariners. I feel like I’ve read that story before, “Guy who used to be a Mariner leaves Seattle and becomes great.” Or, the ever popular “Guy who was average in Seattle, leaves Seattle, and then plays great against Seattle later on.”

I feel like I’ve read that story before, “Guy who used to be a Mariner leaves Seattle and becomes great.” Or, the ever popular “Guy who was average in Seattle, leaves Seattle, and then plays great against Seattle later on.”

He was the same Erasmo. He threw strikes (50/72). He gave up hits (7). He didn’t go deep into the game (5.1 innings). And he won.

It’s weird how the same thing you rooted for and applauded a year ago now vexes everything about your living soul. Losing to an old friend is lousy.

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Especially because Erasmo Ramirez had no business winning that game. He had no business getting in and out of trouble like he did.

And the Mariners had no business letting him get away with it all. He couldn’t get away with it when he played for the Mariners, after all.

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