Storm win Game 2 [Storm.com] Was part of a loud, towel-waving crowd that watched a ugly but tense WNBA Finals Game 2 last night. Atlanta’s strategy of pressuring Sue Bird deep in the backcourt, and hammering Lauren Jackson down low, led to a choppy game full of turnovers and foul shots. The refs called 50 fouls in the game (and it’s not like they were whistle-happy, these were legit fouls) and we saw 60 foul shots. LJ took 17 of them, hitting 13 on her way to a game-high 26. Swin Cash had 19 points, including a clutch baseline three with the shot clock expiring that game the Storm an 8-point lead with 2:10 left. Saw more than a few Sonics jerseys at the game, as those fans inched back into pro ball. Game 3 is tomorrow in Atlanta, here’s a list of viewing parties.
Max Unger done for the season [Seahawks.com] Unger’s left big toe is the culprit, he injured it against the 49ers. Seems a tiny injury to fell a lineman, but think about it–when you’re 305 lbs. and doing a job where balance is paramount, that toe does a lot of the work. The Seahawks re-signed Mansfield Wrotto to take Unger’s spot on the roster. No immediate decision on who his replacement in the starting lineup will be.
The Erik Kohler era has begun [Seattle Times] Nick Montana was the flashy name to come out of Oaks Christian High, but his fellow true freshman teammate is making a bigger splash. Erik Kohler, 6’5″, 306, will move into the starting lineup at left guard. Ryan Tolar moves to RG, and former walkon Greg Christine moves to the pine.
Largent for Seahawks CEO? [KING 5] The most popular player in franchise history could be coming back to run the team. KING-TV says Largent is on the “short list” to replace Tod Leiweke at Paul Allen Inc. Incidentally, Allen told KGW he’s cancer-free.
What They’re Saying
“I’m just happy to be here and be healthy, and I’m feeling better than I have in a long time.” — Paul Allen [KING-5]
“It’s a beautiful day downtown except the wind-chill off tha water requires a coat.” — Aaron Curry [Twitter]
“Great time with my daughter at the Storm game tonite even tho @Hasselbeck didn’t throw her a shirt. She said she was open on a skinny post.” — @RodMarPhoto
In Other News
Mariners lost on a three-run jack by David Ortiz. Brandon League allowed 5 Boston runs the 8th and 9th, ruining a quality start by Luke French. Ichiro had 3 hits, he’s at 189 for the year.
The 2011 MLB schedule was released. The M’s open in Oakland on Friday, April 1. The home opener is Friday, April 8 vs. Cleveland. We’ll host the Phillies, Braves and Padres in interleague play. We travel to Washington and Florida.
Chris Polk has sat out Husky practice the last two days. He’s not hurt, just getting some (well-deserved) rest.
Tacoma won game 1 of the PCL Championship Series–their first win in a PCL Championship Series since 1969. All 5 games (if necc.) will be played in Memphis, since the M’s have Safeco this week.
Today’s Action
Mariners vs. Boston, Pauley vs. Buchholz, 3:40 p.m. (FSN)
Tacoma @ Memphis (Tacoma officially home team), PCL Championship, 5:05 p.m. (850-AM and MiLB.com)
