Friday, May 25, 2001 (W: SEA 9 - KC 6 34-12)

The M's came back from behind again tonight to beat the Royals 9-6.

After starter John Halama gave up five runs without getting an out in in the third inning, Olympic Hero Ryan Franklin came in and pitched five innings for the win, giving up only one run on four hits.

The M's only extra-base hit was a first inning solo HR by Edgar. They had thirteen more singles and four walks to score their other eight runs (in addition to two Mariners thrown out at home -- Dave Myers is getting a little aggressive as far as I'm concerned). Edgar also got his second stolen base of the season. Every time he runs, I get nervous.

Sasaki pitched another perfect ninth for the save, number nineteen for him.

Cleveland won, Minnesota lost (to Oakland), so the M's are up two and a half games over the AL Central leading Indians, and eleven games ahead of the A's.

Larry Stone wrote an interesting article in today's Times discussing the potential for a local rival for the M's in Portland. Apparently, MLB executives are pretty interested in moving either the Marlins, Twins, A's, or Expos in the next few years, and Portland's one of the top relocation candidates. There are several stadium bills in their state legistlature, and if they pass, we could see a Mariner/Beaver rivalry soon.