Mariners Defeat Yankees

I was a little bummed out Friday morning after returning a day early from a less than successful birding trip to Eastern Washington when Leslie called and said that Margaret and Cory had tickets to Friday night’s game

Safeco Sign

and asked if I wanted to go. I wasn’t going to let a lack of sleep keep me from going, and I’m certainly glad I didn’t because it might well have been the most exciting game of the year.

Felix Hernandez, Seattle’s ace, pitched an outstanding game, allowing only two Yankee runs,

Felix Hernandez

which for quite awhile looked like all the runs they’d need. The score was 2-1 Yankees after two outs in the 9th with arguably the best closer in baseball ready to clinch another win. Luckily pinch hitter Mike Sweeney hit a double, bringing Ichiro to the plate, and, for the second night in a row, he won the game, this time with a homer.

Ichiro's Hits a Home Run

Needless to say, the game ended in a major celebration with first Ichiro being greeted by the whole team,

Mariners Greet Ichiro

which quickly also congratulated Felix on his 17th win.

Hernandez Congratulated

If that wasn’t enough to make me forget that I was down, the Washington Huskies’ victory over 3rd ranked USC today certainly did. I know sports shouldn’t have that kind of effect on me, but, for better or worst, they do.