The Seattle Mariners and their fans are still reeling from the Ichiro Suzuki trade. On Tuesday, as the Ichiro farewell series against the New York Yankees continued at Safeco Field, the Mariners got some measure of redemption in a 4-2 win behind their ace, Felix Hernandez.
The evening got off to an uneasy start as Hernandez gave up a home run to Robinson Cano in the top of the first for a quick 1-0 Yankees lead. Michael Saunders was able to tie it up in the bottom of the inning with a home run of his own; his 10th of the season.
The third inning was the big one for the Mariners. Brendan Ryan singled to lead off the inning, Two batters later, Saunders hit a single to right field and Ryan challenged Ichiro, going first-to-third and beating the throw. Jesus Montero then hit a broken-bat blooper to right field, scoring Ryan. Saunders also challenged Ichiro, going first-to-third and again making it in well ahead of the throw. John Jaso then brought Saunders home with a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1 Mariners.
Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth to bring the Yankes back to within a run, but Kyle Seager provided the insurance in the bottom of the eighth with -- what else? -- a two-out RBI single.
Hernandez was uncharacteristically wild throughout the game and hit three batters -- Suzuki, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez had to leave the game after being hit in the hand in the eighth inning and is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a fracture.
Suzuki was 1-for-3 with a double off of Hernandez.
The Mariners will have an opportunity to win the series on Wednesday as they say goodbye to Ichiro -- perhaps for good.
For all news and information regarding the Seattle Mariners, please visit Lookout Landing. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, check out Pinstripe Alley or stop by SB Nation New York.
