Six Mariner Pitchers Combine for No-no
The Headline: Kevin Millwood exits after six with a groin injury, the ‘pen takes over with the Seattle Mariners combining for a six man no-no.
Seattle Mariners 1, LA Dodgers 0
When: 10:10 ET, Friday, June 8, 2012
Where: Safeco Field, Seattle
Temperature: Ceiling Closed
Umpires: Home — Brian Runge, 1B — Ted Barrett, 2B — Marvin Hudson, 3B — Dale Scott
Attendance: 22,028
Love ‘em
1. Pitching Magic
Does it even need to be said that this was a special night for Seattle’s pitching?
Kevin Millwood aside, I think this night really goes to the bullpen. The M’s relievers have been pretty terrible this season, with demotions aplenty and closer Brandon League being relegated to setup.
It was great to see the relievers shut things down tonight and keep the no-no going.
Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, Lucas Luetge, Brandon League and Tom Wilhelmsen combined for 3 innings, 2 walks, 3 Ks and, of course, o hits.
2. No Win Without Seager
Despite how special the pitching performance was, this game means nothing without Kyle Seager. The Mariners won by a slim margin—1-0—and that one RBI came off of Seager’s bat.
In the 7th inning with two outs and one on, Dustin Ackley put together a fantastic AB for a walk. In comes Seager with a single to left. Ichiro scores from second and the rest is history.
3. D-FENCE
As with all no hitters, defense was a major theme in tonight’s game. Two big plays really stood out.
The first was in the eighth with Chone Figgins coming in for a great catch in left field with two men in scoring position. The true beauty came when Figgy rocketed the ball back to the diamond, holding the runner at third.
The second led off the ninth inning. With Dee Gordon—perhaps the fastest shortstop in the game—grounding slowly to short. In comes Brendan Ryan with the grab and the throw, getting Gordon out at first with the bang-bang.
3a. Party Party
I just had to throw this in here. With the conclusion of tonight’s game, that makes tomorrow Saturday, June 9th. That just happens to be B-day: AKA, my bachelor party! We’re heading up to Seattle to watch game two between the Dodgers and Mariners—which is why I got my love ‘em hate ‘em for the series in tonight.
So, if you see some crazy guys in the stands come up and talk to me about some Northwest sports!
Team Effort? You bet. 6 Pitchers combine for this no-no. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Hate ‘em
1. Offensive Deficiency
The Mariners needed just 1 run to win the game tonight, and thank God for that run. Without it this magic night might have never happened.
The thing though is that the Mariner’s shouldn’t have needed only 1 run. The lineup had 8 hits, with Ichiro putting together a very nice 3-4 performance. After exploding for so many runs on the road, it’d be nice to see the team come back home and keep the bats rolling.
2. Six Arms….
Even on a combined no-no night, I have to criticize Eric Wedge for his use of the bullpen.
After Millwood left the game, Wedge needed five pitchers to get through just 3 innings. No pitcher went a full inning except for closer Tom Wilhelmsen. Even Charlie Furbush—the long reliever—pitched just 0.2 innings.
3. Kevin Millwood Exit
It was tough to see Millwood have to exit after the sixth, especially with the no hitter going. Injuries have kept this team down and it would stink to lose a starter to injury.
However, one door closes another one open. This might be just the opening one of the M’s young aces in waiting needs to crack the Big League roster.
Here’s the BOXSCORE | and Our Editor “Q” has his RECAP
NoteBook
The last combined no-hitter also came during interleague play, when six pitchers for the Houston Astros joined forces to shut down the New York Yankees on June 11, 2003.
Seattle has not had a no-hitter since Chris Bosio beat the Boston Red Sox on April 22, 1993.
The Mariners were the victim of a perfect game by Chicago White Sox right-hander Phil Humber on Apr. 21. There have been four no-hitters in the majors this season.
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