Tuesday, August 14, 2007

M's wreaking havoc in AL West, Sexson's walkoff seals win

Don't count those gutsy Seattle Mariners out of the playoff race. They put together a good run in the second half, watching their overall record soar to 66-50. Last night they won in dramatic fashion with a walk-off homer by Richie Sexson in the 9th to prevail over the Twins 4-3. The club finds themselves in a tight wildcard race. It's been a tough season for Sexson, who's been booed by Seattle fans all year for his lackluster performances. Yet he went 2-for-4 Monday night with 3 RBIs and a big-time game-winning solo homer.

Neither Johan Santana or Felix Hernandez got the decision in the game. They each pitched for at least 6 innings and yield no more than 3 runs. Joe Mauer was thrown out at third in the 7th trying to stretch a double into a triple. That out helped save the game for Seattle. Their 8 total hits stood up in a pitcher's duel until late innings. After the series at home with Minnesota the M's will see the WhiteSox again for a three-game set then go on the road to face the Twins.

This team has it's work cut for the final stretch of the season. Right now they're 3 games behind the Angels in the division. They can catch them with the enough persistence and streaky play. Felix Hernandez, Jose Guillen, and Richie Sexson will be key performers during crunch time. Their veteran guys on the roster should give them a boost and motivate the rest of the game. Come on M's, push for that playoff spot!

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