Hello! And Happy Easter, to those of you who celebrate, or who just enjoy candy. Easter is kind of a strange holiday because it floats around based on some kind of Christian math I don't understand, and this is the first time in two years Easter has come when the Mariners are playing. The last time was April 20, 2014, when the Mariners were swept by the Miami Marlins, losing the final game 3-2 (despite some Steve Cishek closing adventures). It was the Mariners' sixth straight loss in a row, having been vigorously spanked by the Rangers earlier that week. They went on to have a relatively decent 2014 so maybe there's hope for this squad yet.
The Mariners will look to build on the good vibes from Paxton's incredible start last night, but it won't be easy, as opposing Iwakuma is Cole Hamels. It could be argued Hamels has something to prove this year after being bumped back in the Rangers' rotation, but as Jake pointed out in the series preview, his FIP was the highest it's been in a decade last year and his control has shown some signs of slipping. Hmm, I wonder where all the Cole Hamels sturm-und-drang articles were this off-season? Seems like every other day there was one coming out about Iwakuma, but all I could find for Hamels was an article from Philly.com praising his biceps. Huh. Funny, that.
No matter what happens today, however, the Mariners at least have recorded their first series win of the season. And if you're in Seattle, it's finally halfway decent outside. And I have a chocolate bunny that I totally feel justified in eating all of thanks to the 200 crunches I did for #Miles4RISP. So everything is else just gravy. Mmmm...gravy.
Game Time: 1:10 PST
TV: ROOT NW, Fox Sports SW (sidebar: I found a new spot in Burien, the Point, which shows all the regional baseball channels and got to see C.J. Nitkowski in action. It was...something.)
RADIO: 710 ESPN
INTERWEBZ: MLB.tv