As per usual, the Seattle Mariners home opener was a “holiday” for me…
For about a dozen years, my mother-in-law was my standing Opening Day date and I would typically enjoy some spa pampering prior to the game. Last year, she decided she wasn’t up to the date, so I took my dad and a new tradition was born. This year, before the game, we went to the Chihuly exhibit at the Seattle Center and had lunch at the cafe there. It was fabulous – I highly recommend the entire experience. Here is a photo album from the first time I saw the exhibit when my friend Marilyn (to whom I owe the credit for the name of this blog) took me for my birthday this past January . . . Chihuly | Garden and Glass
Now, on to the festivities and the game!
We got to Safeco Field plenty early . . .
festive decor
so, we perused the Team Store and dad picked out a new M’s cap. Then we enjoyed a beer and the, not perfect but, very pleasant weather up on the third deck (while my almost dead iPhone charged in Guest Services).
Mac ‘n’ Jack for the win!
We were easily in our seats by 6:30pm for the opening ceremonies….
new video board
the crowd
yes, we could tell fair/foul on the 1B line
the changing sky during introductions
Anual Make-A-Wish run around the bases – this year Marlee Burkett | liver transplant survivor
Make-A-Wish runner Marlee Burkett
Star spangles
And, the ceremonial first pitch . . .
Ancient Mariner
Danny Boy
old battery mates
Play Ball!!!
ON THE MOUND
Some chalked it up to the level of the competition, some say Joe just plain looked much better than in his first start (in Oakland) – granted, he wouldn’t have to do a whole lot better but, anyhoo, he gets his first win as a Mariner in a park he has owned (now 8-0 in the venue) with a 1.91ERA. We’ll take it!
6.1 innings ~ SIX hits ~ ZERO earned runs ~ ONE walk ~ SIX strikeouts
The bullpen of Carter, Charlie and Tom combined for TWO+ scoreless innings, with The Bartender notching his third save.
AT THE PLATE
The M’s definitely didn’t have their hitting shoes on tonight but, thanks to the stellar pitching, they didn’t need to. Good to see Kendrys heating up – he singled and doubled, scoring Michael Saunders both times. Guit dropped down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Dustin from 3B.
IN THE FIELD
* Michael Saunders swiped his third base of the young season
* the DEE was awesome tonight, including ONE double-play turned (Dustin-Brendon-Justin) and couple nice snares by Justin and this incredible catch by Guti . . . SC#1
Tweet of the game . . .
Bonus Tweets (gotta love the cross-sports support) . . .
Compass Rosy 