Exit 164: “The Mariners win a ballgame!”

Seven-run rally ends losing streak: Five outs from handing the Mariners one of the most disheartening losses in recent memory, in front of the smallest crowd in Safeco Field history, Toronto decided to self-destruct, walking in three runs in the eighth to set up a two-run ninth inning rally. With the winning run on second, down to his last strike, Luis Rodriguez worked Jays reliever Shawn Camp, fouling off pitch after pitch until he drove a low slider into the right-centerfield gap for a walk off single. Mariners 3-7, 4th place, 6GB. Next game tonight vs. Toronto.

Storm draft Duke star Jasmine Thomas: The Blue Devils’ main scorer and distributor, what I’ve read about Thomas reminds me of another Thomas — Isaiah. Big heart, floor leader, and doesn’t have a real position in the pros. Storm GM/coach Brian Agler seems thrilled to get Thomas at #12; she could give the Storm a legit backup at the point for Sue Bird.

Gutierrez takes BP: The good news is that Franklin Gutierrez is feeling better. He’s eating without pain, a huge step, thanks to medication. The bad news is that he’s lost 15 pounds, and that doctors still aren’t able to identify exactly what his problem is. He’ll go on a minor league rehab stint by week’s end, but he needs to get stronger and not experience flareups.

What they’re saying…

“The Mariners win a ballgame!” — Dave Sims

“That was one of the best, if not the best, at bats I’ve seen all season.” — Michael Saunders

“Can you imagine feeling bad every day, every meal? Not easy man, let me tell you. It’s a huge relief right now that I can eat better.” — Franklin Gutierrez

In other news…

Kentwood High and Zags star Courtney Vandersloot went #3 overall in the WNBA draft to the Chicago Sky.

Eric Wedge was fired in Cleveland partially because Wedge’s teams got off to such slow starts.

M’s OF Milton Bradley has started wearing ear plugs, presumably to block out the sound of his own sucking. He managed his first homer of the year, so maybe it’s working.

Reliever Josh Lueke got the win after pitching one inning in relief, his first MLB victory.

Toronto rookie manager John Farrell helped set up the win by taking the highly unusual step of intentionally walking the winning run (Ichiro). Ichiro stole second and scored easily on Rodriguez’ gapper.

It was the smallest crowd in Safeco Field history, just 13,056.

Thanks to Nike Wazzu has all new uniforms, for all sports, including a snazzy alternate gray football jersey.

Seven days closer to a championship…

Monday, April 11
Mariners vs. Toronto @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. King Felix Day! (ROOT)

Tuesday, April 12
Mariners vs. Toronto @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. Pineda Day! (ROOT)

Wednesday, April 13
Mariners vs. Toronto @ Safeco, 12:40 p.m. Mariners calendar! (ROOT)

Thursday, April 14
Mariners @ Kansas City, 5:10 p.m. (ROOT)

Friday, April 15
Mariners @ Kansas City, 5:10 p.m. (ROOT)

Saturday, April 16
Mariners @ Kansas City, 10:10 a.m. (ROOT)
Sounders @ Philadelphia Union, 1 p.m. (KONG)

Sunday, April 17
Mariners @ Kansas City, 11:10 a.m. (ROOT)

Monday, April 18
Mariners vs. Detroit @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (ROOT)