September 25th, 2006.
Remember the date, folks. It was the day of Cesar Jimenez's first career Major League start. The day of Greg Dobbs' annual big late-inning hit against the A's. The day Francisco Cruceta finally actually looked like a pitcher. The day of Ichiro's first five-hit game in two years. The day that guaranteed Willie Ballgame will never have to pay for another quiche or Brazilian pedicure in Seattle again in his life. And, most importantly, the day the Mariners snapped the streak at 15, just one game shy of establishing a new all-time single-season record. It took something of a miracle comeback powered by the unlikeliest of little white protagonists, but tyrannical reigns don't end quietly, so the way the skid ended should come as no surprise. This must be how East Berliners felt in 1989. After 172 days of virtual captivity, at last we've been set free. Look out, world. We've got a pennant to win.
Biggest Contribution: Greg Dobbs, +46.2%
Biggest Suckfest: Cesar Jimenez, -38.2%
Most Important At Bat: Dobbs single, +42.1%
Most Important Pitch: Kendall double, -18.5%
Total Contribution by Pitcher(s): -39.9%
Total Contribution by Position Players: +80.1%
Jake Woods and Rich Harden tomorrow night, same start time. If we were 75-82 I'd be comfortable rooting for Oakland in an effort to end Anaheim's season as quickly as possible, but with an outside shot at a .500 record, why not go for it? Here's to another miracle in 19 hours.