Seattle Mariners News: Opening Day Offense Is No Joke
By Todd Pheifer
Mar 31, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak (17) celebrates with first baseman Logan Morrison (20) and teammates after hitting a 3-run homer in the ninth inning agaist the Los Angeles Angels in an opening day baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners have an effective offense. Happy April Fool’s Day!
The irony is that this isn’t a joke. Today the Internet is likely to be filled with spoofs and other witty literature, and a productive Mariners offense would seem to fit in nicely with all of the other humor.
For fans, the happy news is that the Mariners broke out the bats against the Los Angeles Angels on opening day. Granted, it didn’t look good early. The Mariners managed only one run through the first five innings, and it appeared that the successful hitting in spring training would be long forgotten.
Then, the Mariners got to Jered Weaver. After that, the subpar Angels bullpen threw some batting practice and the Mariners capitalized. Before you knew it, the Mariners were up 10-3.
Every Mariner in the lineup either got a hit or scored a run. Mike Zunino and Dustin Ackley both hit triples. Justin Smoak crushed a three-run home run. Leadoff man Abraham Almonte got on base twice. After giving up an early two-run home run to Mike Trout, Felix Hernandez settled down and struck out 11.
A great start to a season that Seattle fans hope will finally go in a positive direction.
Obviously the usual caveats have to be offered. This was only one game, and the Angels do have a weak bullpen. Still, it was a great way for the season to start. The fear was that the Mariners would slide back into their horrible non-hitting ways once spring training was over, and Robinson Cano would instantly regret his decision to sign with the M’s.
The Seattle offense is no joke…so far.