May 4, 2009 (The Seattle Times delivered by Newstex ) --
UPDATE 7:27 P.M. After writing this, the score will probably wind up 10-9, but I'd wager this is going to be a low-scoring game. The Mariners have already turned in a couple of fine defensive plays. UPDATE 7:03 P.M.: Kevin Millwood went 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA in three starts againt the Mariners last year, all in Seattle. But M's fans shouldn't get too cocky. Felix Hernandez was 0-4 with a 4.04 ERA in six starts against the Rangers in 2008.
This is the AL West showdown series we all envisioned when the season started, right? The first-place Mariners against the second-place Rangers. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride.
This series brings together the player who ranks first alphabetically in Baseball history (David Aardsma), the longest last name in Baseball history (Jarrod Saltalamacchia), and the only hyphenated name in Baseball history (Ryan Rowland-Smith, currently on the DL). What more could you possibly want? OK, I've got more: The second player named "Elvis" in Baseball history, Texas rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus. (I know you're going to ask: Elvis Pena, an infielder with Colorado in 2000 and Milwaukee in 2001).
The pitching matchup should be a dandy. Rangers ace Kevin Millwood is off to a strong start with a 2.13 ERA. Felix Hernandez, who is a bit under the weather, is working on 19 straight scoreless innings. A stat to tuck away: Ichiro is a .431 hitter (25-for-58) against Millwood.
LINEUPS
Texas
5 Ian Kinsler 2B1 Elvis Andrus SS10 Michael Young 3B9 Hank Blalock DH22 Marlon Byrd CF17 Nelson Cruz RF7 David Murphy LF19 Chris Davis 1B21 Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
33 Kevin Millwood RHP
Mariners
51 Ichiro RF10 Endy Chavez LF5 Mike Sweeney DH30 Russ Branyan 1B29 Adrian Beltre 3B4 Jose Lopez 2B2 Kenji Johjima C21 Franklin Gutierrez CF7 Yuniesky Betancourt SS
34 Felix Hernandez P
Newstex ID: 34652705
