Mariners 3, Rangers 5 [box]: The M's dropped the final game of the four-game series against the Rangers on Thursday. Jason Vargas put up a modest effort, going seven innings and allowing four earned runs. The Mariners are back in action today in their home opener against the Oakland Athletics. Former Mariner fan favorite Mike Cameron is slated to throw out the game's first pitch.

Larry Stone from the Seattle Times profiles the retired center fielder. Cameron has inquired to sign a minor-league contract with the Mariners, enabling him to retire as a Mariner and helping him cement his legacy with the team. Next game: Today, Seattle (4-4) vs. Oakland (3-4), 7:10 pm PT, ROOT Sports, 1.5 games back.

Read more Seattle sports links after the jump.

Thursday's Tweet of the Day:

Felix threw his arms open and head back with a big smile when he exited the plane #thekingishome

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) April 13, 2012

• The Seahawks re-signed linebackers LeRoy Hill and Matt McCoy on Thursday. The team also released their official preseason schedule. Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker from the Tennessee Titans are set to return to Seattle in the team's first preseason game on Saturday August 11th.

• Former Washington Huskies basketball coach Tippy Dye passed away at the age of 97. Dye led the Huskies' to the school's only Final Four back in 1952. Sports Press NW has an obituary.

• Riley Peschon from SeaTown Sports hands out his player grades for this year's Washington Huskies basketball team. You might be surprised on who received the highest grade. Jon Wilner from the Mercury News has Washington at No. 6 in his very early rankings for the 2012-13 season.

• The United States Women's basketball team will play China in a pre-Olympics exhibition game at the Key Arena on May 12th. The Seattle Storm's Sue Bird will be in action for the U.S.; local fans will also get a chance to see top WNBA stars like Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi play.

• Local basketball standout David Trimble from Davis HS (Yakima), committed to the Seattle U Redhawks on Thursday. Trimble was one of the state's top point guards last season and helped his team win the 4A State Championship back in March.