HOUSTON -- Nearly four years and 30 long, exhausting and psychologically burdensome games later, the Mariners finally came, saw and conquered their house of horrors.
With a 6-3 victory over the Astros on Wednesday, they won a series at Minute Maid Park for the first time since September 2018, a venue that they recognize they’ll need to successfully navigate if they hope to snap their 20-year playoff drought. And particularly after being swept here last month, a much more competitive
showing this week represented a huge step in the right direction, perhaps serving as an early-summer spark.
Raleigh, France Homer as Mariners Win Series in Houston
Cal Raleigh and Ty France both went deep and Logan Gilbert continued to roll as the Mariners took their fourth consecutive series with a 6-3 win over the Astros.
J.P. Crawford Blasts a Single to Score Jesse Winker
Sorry, sir, you do not have permission to score a run here. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Last month, the club was more guarded with public commentary on its struggles here, but this series was different. Did the players feel the need to prove -- to the league, to the Astros and perhaps even themselves -- that they’re capable of winning here?
“You have to eventually get to that point, or we're never going to win the [AL] West,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “That’s where it's at. I thought we played really well against them at home, but it's different in this ballpark. They're really tough to beat here.”
The only players who were around for that series win in 2018 and were on the roster Wednesday are Marco Gonzales and Matthew Festa -- and it was the kids who contributed most this week.
Cal Raleighcrushed a game-tying homer in the fourth inning on Tuesday -- just afterLogan Gilberthad surrendered the lead -- his second homer of the week. Raleigh finished the series with six RBIs, all critical.
Cal Raleigh's Two-Run Homer
Gilbert navigated six innings against a pesky Astros lineup that was aggressively swinging early in counts and forcing him to adjust without swing-and-miss stuff. He positioned relievers Andrés Muñoz, Paul Sewald and Diego Castillo well by leaving with a lead.
And earlier this week,Julio Rodríguezdelivered adecisive ninth-inning daggerin an emotional win after both benches clearedon Monday. That tension didn’t spill over on Wednesday, when Rodríguez was hit by fastballs in consecutive plate appearances and exhibited angst after the second. But a lingering rift between these
clubs, who meet just twice more at each ballpark, is worth watching.
Raleigh, Rodríguez and Gilbert were growing up in the Minors as the Astros owned the AL West, and though they perhaps don’t have as strong of a grasp as to how challenging this venue has been to Seattle, the experience they gained this week -- against a first-place team that has represented the division’s established order -- was significant.
“Yeah, definitely,” Gilbert said. “I think we’ve got a nice mix of young guys, veterans, people in between, and to have the young guys kind of step up was huge.”
Added Raleigh: “It’s a tough lineup, especially when you play here. They're really good at home, so you have to be on.”
Logan Gilbert K's Yuli Gurriel
Jesse Winker smacks a single to score Taylor Trammell
Gonzales, who didn’t pitch this series, knows better than anyone 1) the challenges of overcoming Houston’s hitter-friendly environment, 2) how difficult it is to hang onto a game here, with the threat of an offensive outbreak at any moment and, more symbolically, 3) how much has changed within the Mariners’ organization
since the last time they took two of three in the Astros’ confines.
“I think collectively as a group, it just gives us a lot of confidence going forward to come in here and win a series,” Gonzales said. “Because I would say in our division, this is probably the toughest place to play. And it was a great experience for [the young guys], but for the group, it was a huge, huge win for us.”
GOOD GAME
See y'all soon
Beyond this three-gamer at Minute Maid Park, Seattle capped its nine-game road trip with its sixth win, victorious in each series in this weave through Baltimore, Arlington and Houston. It was also the Mariners’ first winning road trip of the season after beginning the year with losses in 18 of their 26 games away from T-
Mobile Park, the worst road record in the Majors at that point.
And after brutal travel through the first two months, covering more than 24,000 miles following Wednesday night’s charter back to Seattle, the Mariners will now play 22 of their next 30 at home.
“Guys, they grind, and we're starting to understand what that's about,” Servais said. “Guys, you get a long road trip, you've got late travel. Guys are tired. You have to grind through it if you want to win, and I think they do want to win in a really bad way.”
HOUSTON -- Even on a night where Justin Verlander racked up a season-high 12 strikeouts and passed John Smoltz for 17th on the all-time strikeouts list, the Mariners had chances to strike on Tuesday. None was more notable than with the bases loaded in the
eighth inning, pitting two players who wereswappedfor each other ahead of last year’s Trade Deadline.
Abraham Toro vs. Rafael Montero, with Seattle in striking distance, down by one.
“I really am going to pay for that history degree, huh” Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Montero was on the ropes, struggling to find the strike zone, and Toro was eager to deliver against his former team and the 30,583 fans in attendance at Minute Maid Park. Hacking at a first-pitch fastball inside, Toro sliced a liner just narrowly into foul territory that
would’ve plated at least two, possibly three. Then, four pitches later, Seattle’s struggling infielder grounded into an inning-ending double play and towards a4-1 defeat.
Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer the bottom half of the inning to give the Astros some insurance, but the Mariners were on the Astros’ tail all the way to the end.
“When I hit it, I thought it was going to at least hit the line,” Toro said. “But that’s just part of the game. He’s got a slider in and changeup away, so I was just trying to hit it to the middle of the field. Just watching the scouting report, he’s got good stuff, so I didn’t
want to overswing or anything. You always want to score some runs, and it’s frustrating. But you’ve got to move on and hopefully get the win tomorrow.”
How much swing did that sequence carry? According to FanGraphs’ win-probability metric, the Mariners’ odds of winning went from 48% when Toro stepped to the plate to 13% after. It was, objectively and analytically, the highest-leverage moment of the game.
Julio Rodríguez's Sliding Catch
“If it's like three feet over, everybody is jumping up and down and we get a three-run double,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It’s baseball. You’re going to continue to get chances. They made big pitches when they had to tonight when we had guys on base.”
Toro is now 2-for-24 since returning from the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder sprain last Wednesday and in an 0-for-18 stretch dating back to hisgame-winning triplein Baltimore last week, bringing his season slash line to .163/.219/.333 (.552 OPS). The
Mariners have long been bullish on his above-average bat-to-ball skills, and he’s still trying to leverage those into tangible results.
@Taytram24 Taylor Trammell's Sliding Catch
When Toro swings, he makes contact 81.9% of the time, above the MLB average of 76.5%. His swing-and-miss rates are in the 85th percentile and his strikeout rate is in the 92nd, per Statcast. But more often than not, his contact results in an out -- such as the
critical one on Tuesday -- evidenced by his .148 batting average on balls in play.
“I’m trying to go day to day,” Toro said. “Even though it’s been a little slow, I don’t try to see that as something negative. Every day is different, and there’s a new opportunity to help the team.”
Abraham Toro Plates J.P. Crawford
But now, dear reader, I would like to get on my soapbox and talk about the one run scored by Seattle. See, the only Mariner to come away from this game with an RBI was Abraham Toro, my beloved. And he did so on an RBI fielder’s choice that very much could
have become a double play if it weren’t for Toro’s speed and Frazier sliding directly into Jeremy Peña’s leg.
That’s not the kind of batted ball you want to see with the bases loaded and one out. If that had ended the inning, it would have been crushing.
And now Eugenio Suárez is nearly hit by a pitch, up and in, and Hector Neris has been tossed:
strikeout to strand two. The right fielder also fanned with two on and two out in the sixth, finishing with four punchouts.
Those moments contributed to Seattle stranding nine baserunners for the 16th time, tied for an MLB high, bringing their season total to 400, also an MLB high. After breaking through with runners in scoring position for much of this productive road trip, they went 1-
for-6 in such situations on Tuesday.
To be sure, they were again facing Verlander, the likely future Hall of Famer who has experienced a career renaissance in his return from Tommy John surgery. After serving up four homers to the Mariners just 11 days prior in Seattle, Verlander adjusted to an
approach far more heavy on his secondary pitches, with 10 of his 12 strikeouts coming via his curve or slider.
Chris Flexen's Solid Outing
Chris Flexen has added a pitch to his repertoire today. He's thrown two 80 mph sliders. He didn't throw a single one of those last year.
That lack of run production against him put Chris Flexenon an all-too-familiar tightrope despite tossing seven strong innings. Flexen surrendered two runs in the fourth, but that proved decisive, as he’s now received one run or fewer of support in seven of his 11
starts this season.
All the while, Flexen has shown an upward trajectory after a tough start to 2022, especially against Houston. In three starts last year against the AL West foes, he had a 5.74 ERA in three outings, while in four starts this year, he has a 2.55 mark. Part of his success
on Tuesday, he said, was the installation of a slider, which he opted for after using it while playing catch on Monday.
Though Tuesday’s game had remnants of the Mariners’ struggles at Minute Maid Park for the past four seasons, the chance to win their first series here since 2018 is still in front of them in the finale, with Logan Gilbert -- their pitcher of the year so far -- taking the
hill.
He gets to the ball quickly, stabs it out of the air before it can roll to the wall, then executes a quick, clean transfer of the ball, all the while redirecting his momentum in the complete opposite direction, setting his feet for the throw, and making the executive decision
to throw in to second for a higher-probability out.
So far this season, DMo has been worth three OAA, Outs Above Average, in limited playing time: two in right field, and one at shortstop. That locates him among the top 50 players in baseball for accrued OAA, tied with defense-first players like Harrison Bader or
Javier Báez. Defensive metrics are wonky, especially this early in the season, but that’s been backed up by the eye test. Please enjoy this highlight reel of solid-to-spectacular DMo plays from just this season:
And those are just the ones MLB Film Room thought worthy of inclusion! I’m sure there are other, tinier moments from this season that I can’t call to mind right now, but appreciated in the moment, because Competent Defense is one of my love languages.
"We need all-around baseball players and right now that's what you're getting" - @CameronMaybin on@Mariners 21-year-old phenom @JRODshow44
MLB announces discipline for Astros-Mariners fight
MLB on Tuesday announced discipline for those who were involved in Monday’s fight between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.
Five members of the Astros and one from the Mariners received discipline from MLB.
Astros pitcher Hector Neris was suspended four games and fined. Houston manager Dusty Baker was suspended one game and fined. While Astros coaches Joe Espada, Omar Lopez and Troy Snitker were all fined.
Mariners manager Scott Servais was fined.
MLB has disciplined six players/coaches for Monday’s Astros-Mariners incident:
MLB Network reacts to Julio Rodríguez homers after benches clear, Mariners beat Astros 7-4
Ty France has been one of the best hitters in baseball.
You can tell me when it’s over if the high was worth the pain Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Benches clear in Houston after Ty France hit by a pitch
Monday June 6
FINAL
SEA 7 vs 4 HOU
J-Rod steps up at key time: 'He lives for that moment'
Mariners defeat Astros, Minute Maid Park, old behavior patterns, magical thinking itself
Tonight we learned who knows what sage smells like and who doesn’t season their food well
J-Rod cuts through the chaos
With tensions high after a benches-clearing incident, Julio Rodríguez came through late to cap a big win.
HOUSTON --JulioRodríguezhas said from the get-go that he wants to relish the grand stage, and on Monday, he dramatically delivered when the platform presented itself.
Moments after the benches cleared between the Mariners and Astros, Rodríguez punctuated the palpable tension at Minute Maid Park with a 360-foot shot into the right-field seats, skipping his way to first base and hanging on to his bat halfway down the line. It
marked the final punctuation mark in an eventful series-opening7-4 winfor Seattle.
You can tell me when it’s over if the high was worth the pain Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Benches clear in Houston after Ty France hit by a pitch
Benches Clear After Ty France HBP
Benches clear in the Mariners-Astros game after Ty France was hit by a pitch
Benches cleared in the Mariners-Astros Game
ANGRY DAD
Underlying data via Fangraphs, 2020 data omitted
Aside from the Mariners conquering a venue that has haunted them since 2019, the 21-year-old Rodríguez -- fresh off being named the AL Rookie of the Month for May-- showed impressive poise to put aside the emotional weight that had spilled onto the field just
before.
Ty France was hit by a pitch on his back that wasn’t immediately called by home-plate umpire Chris Guccione, at which point Mariners manager Scott Servais halted play to potentially call for a review. Across the diamond, barking ensued from the Astros' dugout,
which in turn evoked a vibrant response from Seattle’s, and all of a sudden, both benches and bullpens had cleared.
“I feel like I never left my zone,” Rodríguez said. “I knew that we had a whole situation going on, but I was like, 'I've got to be ready to hit.' At the end of the day, I don't know about that whole situation, but I just needed to stay locked in and be able to deliver for
the team.”
this inning is farts but let's take a moment to admire Dylan Moore manufacturing an out on this double with a really excellent play in the outfield
Rodríguez was even seen, in good faith, restraining Houston reliever and fellow Dominican Republic native Héctor Neris before the fracas reached a boiling point.
The two are acquaintances, having trained together the past few offseasons in Tampa, Fla., with performance coach Yo Murphy -- whom Rodríguez has credited to his big uptick in speed.
But once both dug back in following the dugout-emptying dust-up, that mutual camaraderie was gone -- there was a game to win, after all.
“At the end of the day, he's on the other team,” Rodríguez said. “I play for the Mariners, and we've got to compete. ... I definitely was fired up. I never really talk or yell during my homers, but given the situation, I felt like I needed to and I kind of let all my
emotions go out.”
@jp_crawfordgets things going early, Drives In Julio
After the dust had settled, Seattle won for the fifth time on this three-city road weave that concludes in Houston, ensuring its first winning road trip this season.
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that emotions were particularly high given the venue, Minute Maid Park, where the Mariners entered the night 4-26 since the start of 2019 and were swept here one month ago.
“This place hasn't been kind to us, and we need to turn it,” said Servais, who was ejected for arguing during the benches-clearing incident. “Sometimes, a little emotion and playing on edge helps, and our guys responded there late in the game.”
Rodríguez was part of a collective effort that helped Seattle overcome a shaky start from Robbie Ray and navigate to the finish line of a huge win -- one that before his homer looked like it was going to need every last pitch to accomplish.
Cal Raleigh's Three-Run Homer
Catcher Cal Raleigh drove in four of the Mariners’ seven runs, a career high, thanks to a three-run homer in the second and an RBI single in the fourth that proved to be the decisive run.
Then, Penn Murfee, Ryan Borucki, Sergio Romo and Diego Castillo shut the door by going scoreless for the final 12 outs -- on a night where Paul Sewald was not available, having pitched three of the past four games.
But back to Rodríguez.
“It says he likes it when his blood is running hot,” Servais said. “Some players play better. Julio plays better. He plays good all the time. But some guys step up in those moments. You get a little emotional. You get a little edge to you.”
Diego Castillo Earns the Save
hard as the game’s most elite sluggers, and with all-field ability.
But the tools only take a player so far, and Rodríguez has stayed true to his approach despite some challenging calls early in the season. He’s begun to hit secondary pitching at a more advanced level -- and now the power has begun to take off. His .526 slugging
percentage since May 1 leads the team.
Through the highs and lows, Rodríguez has carried the same positive persona. He was smiling while bear-hugging Neris behind the mound as a gesture of trying to calm the tempers. The composure he kept on Monday, despite the adrenaline-inducing atmosphere,
impressed everyone.
“It's super rare, but it just shows where he's at mentally,” Ray said. “He's got a good head on his shoulders, and he's humble. But he lives for that moment, and it's fun to watch him when he comes through in those moments. Just seeing that 21-year-old come out
as he's running the bases, it's really fun to watch.”
Seattle pulls off improbable comeback by rallying in 9th, winning in 10th at Texas
Win odds: From 1.2% to 100%Things weren't looking good for the Mariners in the 9th.
Then, they put together a rally that led to a 10-inning win.
Mariners vs. Rangers Game Highlights (6/5/22) MLB Highlights
Make that three series wins in a row
Mariners Complete Comeback to Lock Down Series Win
The Mariners came through with some late-game heroics to secure a series win against the Rangers behind Ty France's home run and Eugenio Suárez's game-tying two-RBI double.
Mariners rally late for 6-5 WIN!
Suárez powering offense
Eugenio Suárez hit a solo HR in the 4th, an RBI single in the 5th and a 2-run double in the 9th.
ARLINGTON -- Things were as bleak for the Mariners as they’d been most of the season for a bulk of Sunday afternoon -- until, all of a sudden, they weren’t. And with a little dose of chaos ball, the formula they thrived with throughout last season, Seattle pulled out
its most improbable, unlikely and impressive come-from-behind win of the year, a6-5, 10-inning victoryover Texas that secured a third straight series win.
How remote were the Mariners’ chances of pulling this one out when they were trailing by three runs in the ninth inning? According to FanGraphs’ win-probability metric, Seattle had just a 1.2 percent chance of winning after Jesse Winker led off the frame with a
groundout. With only two outs to work with, the Mariners reached a tie, then took their first lead of the day in the 10th.
As Baseball Savant shows, via FanGraphs' metrics, the Mariners were all but out of Sunday's game.
Here’s how they strung it together:
France’s solo homer
Ty France was headed toward his fourth straight hitless game, a drought he’d experienced only once before with the Mariners, before he broke through with a solo home run in the ninth. With a 94.2 mph exit velocity (per Statcast), it had only an 11 percent hit
probability and would’ve cleared the fence in only five ballparks. But thankfully for the Mariners, Globe Life Field was one of them.
Even with France’s homer, Seattle was still down by two and had been 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position to that point, leaving the club with a 3.2 percent chance to win. But it was a starting point for a spark.
Ty France's Solo Home Run
“We just kept the line moving there and got some big hits,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “That's what it takes to win these games on the road.”
What did we tell you? Sunday Funday.
Suárez’s game-tying double
After France's homer, Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford each singled to put Eugenio Suárez in position to strike with runners on the corners. The slugging third baseman had already homered in the fourth -- the first of the year off Rangers left-hander Martín Pérez,
an early favorite for the American League Cy Young Award -- and had an RBI single in the fifth to extend his hit streak to eight games.
Against flamethrowing reliever Matt Bush, Suárez connected on a middle-low cutter and punched it deep into the right-field corner, likely the only spot on the field that would have allowed Crawford to score from first. And Seattle’s shortstop was flying, with asprint
speedof 28.8 feet per second, per Statcast -- well above his season average of 27.1 -- while losing his helmet in the process and surging past third-base coach Manny Acta, who was flamboyantly giving him the green light.
“Off the bat, I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m scoring,’” said Crawford, adding that he would have blown through a stop sign, if it was given. “I was going too fast to stop anyways, so yeah, I was going.”
Suárez's Game-Tying Double
In one fell swoop, the Mariners’ odds had increased from 16 percent to 56.
“Like I always tell the boys,” Suárez said, “‘Hey, no matter what situation we are in, we’ve got to keep the good vibes only.’ This game is so hard, and we need to make it simple and enjoy the game. It’s a long season. We’ve got a really good team, and we’ve got to
trust in what we can do. This series, we did it.”
Castillo’s shutdown inning
Suárez put Seattle in business, but the game was still tied entering the bottom of the ninth. On came Diego Castillo, who in this same building blew two leads in the ninth or later last season, both via homers to Jonah Heim. This time, Castillo worked around a one-
out single to Nathaniel Lowe and a stolen base by pinch-runner Eli White by striking out the other three batters he faced -- Adolis García, Ezequiel Duran and Steele Walker -- all via his slider.
Diego Castillo Has Sent this One to Extras.
“I think that's his third or fourth really quality outing, and we've needed him,” Servais said. “Again, it’s one of those nights where we come from behind and everybody chips in. We needed it to happen today, and it did not look so great. But again, I give our guys a
ton of credit. They did not quit.”
Seattle’s win probability had dropped to 50 percent, given Texas would still get another chance to bat.
Toro Scores Go-Ahead Run
Moore, Toro, Sewald complete the win
Abraham Toro scored the game-winning run in the top of the 10th on a wild pitch by Brock Burke, and he was in position to do so after beginning the inning as the automatic runner and moving to third on a groundout by Dylan Moore, who reached base four times
earlier. The odds were up to 64 percent, with Marcus Semien and the top of the Rangers' order looming.
Yet, Paul Sewald induced a quick flyout against Semien, intentionally walked Corey Seager to pair with the automatic runner Walker for the force opportunity and then induced two popouts from Mitch Garver and Kole Calhoun, effectively navigating the meat of
Texas' order to cap Seattle’s epic comeback.
In the roughly 45 minutes between France’s homer and Sewald’s save, the Mariners’ odds of winning swung 98.8 percent, resulting in a much-needed victory.
Cal Raleigh Catches Final Out
23 30 .434 11.0
𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝑔𝓇𝓎
Saturday June 4
FINAL
SEA 2 vs 3 TEX
Road-weary Mariners 'dragging' in latest loss
A little girl spilled her ice cream on a J.P. foul ball, but that metaphor is too easy, and, frankly, she’s been through enough
'Dragging a little bit today'
Already on their 3rd trip east, the Mariners couldn't muster much outside of Jesse Winker's 2-run homer.
“The quality of mercy is not strained./It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/Upon the place beneath.” Another quality of mercy is that we feel relief; it brings us peace that someone suffering is given reprieve. It’s how I felt when career slugger Jesse Winker finally parked
one over the fence after two months of failing to live up to his personal standard.
That ball went 441 feet, finally making good on Winker’s promise. It was a small mercy. Even though this game slipped away and the two RBIs on this homer weren’t enough,
ARLINGTON -- When the revised schedule was unveiled after the CBA was agreed to in March, the Mariners knew that the first two months of the season were going to be a gauntlet.
As of Saturday, they’ve had three trips to the East Coast and have covered roughly 22,000 miles, just under the 24,851 that the Reds, who travel the least this year in MLB, will travel all season. Seattle has also had just five off-days to help alleviate the wear and
tear for the weary.
Today is a perfect example.
Marco only struck out five, but he absolutely gave the offense a chance to win. That’s fundamentally what you pay starting pitchers to do.
Words can have associative meanings as well. For instance, perhaps you can’t hear the word quality without thinking of Creed Bratton struggling to remember his job title and stumbling up to “quabity assuance.” It’s a lesson that sometimes you can screw up and get
away with it anyway, just like Julio did when he exacerbated his unfamiliarity with the dimensions of Globe Life Field by getting a bad read on a deep fly ball but making the out anyway:
Similarly at the plate, Julio brushed off a bad day yesterday by capturing his first multiwalk game, his 16th stolen base, and a hard-hit single. Julio’s the right kind of sinner; he won’t let a bad day get him down, and it’s how he’s getting away with his mistakes.
“You’ve got to come up, figure out a way,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “We've had some tough travel, it's been a tough trip. Guys were dragging a little bit today, but we were right there at the end. We just couldn’t get a big hit.”
As Baseball Savant illustrates, typically any flight that the Mariners take to and from Seattle is a long one.
Jesse Winker crushed a two-run homer off Texas starter Glenn Otto, a 446-foot shot that encapsulated all that the front office adored about the slugger when it acquired him in March. It was his first deep fly against a righty all season. But it also represented the
lone run production that the Mariners manufactured, and they had just three other hits.
“We kind of need to recharge the batteries a little bit,” Servais said. “The last couple of days, and typically after a tough travel night, it's the second day that gets you. A day game today, and we kind of saw that a little bit. But again, it was a winnable game.”
“I made a mistake to Adolis, who unfortunately clipped me with guys on base, and that's how it goes,” Gonzales said. “But other than that, I thought we really had a good game plan against these guys and executed really well and kept them off basepaths.”
𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝑔𝓇𝓎
Friday June 3
FINAL
SEA 4 vs 3 TEX
Suárez atones for error with clutch HR in 9th inning
Gilbert's stuff and poise on display in another strong start
Good vibes only for Suárez
Eugenio Suárez didn't let a costly error bog him down, as he played hero in the ninth with a go-ahead homer.
PREVIEW TODAY: 1:05 PM PDT
Mariners turn to Marco
Watch free on MLB.TV: Southpaw Marco Gonzales will make his 18th career start against Texas today.
Mariners vs. Rangers Game Highlights (6/3/22) MLB Highlights
Mariners Make Comeback in Series Opener vs. Texas
Eugenio Suarez delivered with a timely two-run, ninth-inning blast to give the Mariners a 4-3 advantage that would hold as Seattle took the series opener in Arlington.
Suárez's Two-Run, Go-Ahead Homer
J.P. worked a walk, and Ayyyyyugenio Suárez came through with that last-second coffee to make the final push of the day.
"Say it with us: Good. Vibes. Only."
Perhaps it’s his nine years of experience in the Majors, his veteran demeanor or simply how he was raised, but Suárez -- since Day 1 with the Mariners -- has embodied the mantra of “good vibes only.” He avoids letting the bad moments weigh him down, though he
admitted that he carried some extra motivation into that final at-bat after making a critical error in the sixth inning that set up Logan Gilbert for a difficult finish on an otherwise superb day.
ARLINGTON -- Jesse Winker called the shot from the dugout. A teammate of Eugenio Suárezfor five years in Cincinnati before they were traded to Seattle in March, Winker knew better than anyone that it was the ideal moment for the slugger who has more home
runs than anyone else in MLB over the past five seasons.
And sure enough, Suárez sent a middle-middle fastball from Texas closer Joe Barlow into the right-center-field bleachers with one out in the ninth inning -- a two-run, 393-foot, go-ahead blast that silenced the 25,378 on hand at Globe Life Field and led to a4-3
Cal Raleigh put any worries about that to rest with two outs in the top of the third, cranking a double into the right field corner on a 1-0 sinker.
Cal Raleigh doubled their lead in the fifth with one swing.
Cal Raleigh BOMB
Hitting that kind of shadow pitch at 109 miles per hour 425 feet takes some serious pop, and with the double earlier, this was pretty confidently Raleigh’s best day at the plate so far. The average is still pretty heinous, and the contact ability still needs to take some
steps forward, but including tonight’s game, Calboy’s wRC+ sits at 77 and trending upwards.
Roenis Elías’s time to shine, and, well, you know how I mentioned hitting that 2pm wall? Roenis didn’t hit it so much as ran face-first into it. I am pro-Roenis and take no pleasure in reporting this.
Sure, he made quick work of the next three Texas hitters, and yes, Penn Murfee struck out two in the eighth to keep it a one-run game, but at this point it seemed like the M’s rough travel schedule and night’s sleep had gotten to them.
The Mariners have now won three of four on their three-city, nine-game road trip -- and two in a row away from Seattle for the first time since the season-opening series in Minnesota. For all of their struggles this season, one that’s stood out significantly for the
Mariners has been their inability to win consistently on the road, as they now have an 11-19 record following Friday’s win. That’s made this trip a step in the right direction, especially after a 4 a.m. local time arrival from Baltimore with no off-day in between.
“We always compete to win a game,” Suárez said. “When we’re winning back-to-back series and start this series winning, you’ve got that comfort. We always think like that, play every time, not give up, work hard and try to win as many games as we can. At some
point, the wins will come for us, and that’s what happened.”
A good night’s sleep: Eugenio Suárez, +.633 WPA
Tossing and turning: Roenis Elías, -.177 WPA
Ty France HBP Counter: 10
On a would-be groundout from Marcus Semien to lead off the inning, Suárez instead sent his throw to first baseman Ty France sailing, after which Semien stole second base and then scored on an RBI double by Corey Seager. Two at-bats later, Kole Calhoun tied the
game with a double that scored Seager. And all of a sudden, Gilbert was in a jam with his pitch count climbing.
Corey Seager's RBI Double
“After that error, I was thinking, ‘This game is like that and I threw it away,’ but late in the game, I thought, 'Maybe I’ll get an opportunity to do something,'” Suárez said.
Logan Gilbert's Seven Strikeouts
Gilbert set a new record for his speediest pitch with a 99.3 MPH scorcher to strike out old enemy Jonah Heim ending the second.
great job by gilbert to dig in and get the strikeout he earned four pitches earlier
Gilbert continues to wow
The way Gilbert had pitched to that point made it feel like a game that, regardless of other circumstances, the Mariners needed to win, with raw stuff that looked as good as ever. He topped out at a career-high 99.3 mph, averaged 96.6 mph on his four-seam fastball
and landed his new-look slider effectively for strikes. In total, Gilbert generated a season-high 19 swings and misses, with seven strikeouts.
Even with his pitch count pushing past 100, and with Calhoun baiting him well down the third-base line with no one covering the bag due to Seattle’s defensive shift against Jonah Heim, Gilbert punctuated his tough sixth with a punchout to halt the Rangers’ rally.
Logan Gilbert shows some rare raw emotion on what was likely his final pitch of the game -- an inning-ending strikeout to Jonah Heim here in the 6th:
Despite Gilbert being just 25 years old, Mariners manager Scott Servais continues to let the right-hander pitch himself out of jams. Gilbert’s 2.22 ERA is 10th-best in the Majors and his 65 innings are eighth-most.
“I absolutely do look at him as a veteran,” Servais said. “His poise, his ability to slow the game down in those moments is as good, or maybe better, than guys that have five, six years in this league.”
Added Gilbert: “It means a lot. I really appreciate that. I try to do my job to earn that. I don't think it's just given. So it's a big honor. And yeah, the high expectations helped me. I have high expectations for myself, and I appreciate it when other people do as well.”
Mariners quietly climbing
At 23-29, Seattle still has a ways to go to get back in the green, but Friday’s win did move the club back to within 3 1/2 games of the final AL Wild Card spot, currently occupied by the spiraling Angels, who lost their ninth straight earlier in the evening to the Phillies.
There are four teams ahead of the Mariners for that final playoff berth.
Through 52 games last year, the Mariners were 4 1/2 games back of the final spot with four teams in between, though, of course, this year’s postseason will include one extra team per league as part of thenew collective bargaining agreement.
𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝑔𝓇𝓎
Thursday June 2
FINAL/10
SEA 7 vs 6 BAL
Toro, Castillo step up to seal Mariners' series win
'Big hits all year for us'
Abraham Toro's latest clutch knock was a 10th-inning RBI triple that proved to be the game-winner for Seattle.
Back-to-back series dubs!
Mariners vs. Orioles Game Highlights (6/2/22) MLB Highlights
Abraham Toro's Go-Ahead Triple
Abraham Toro to coast into third base with an RBI triple.
By Byron Kerr
BALTIMORE -- After splitting the first two games of the series, the rubber match turned into a back-and-forth four-hour marathon decided by one clutch hit in the 10th inning.
It was Abraham Toro’s triple deep off the center-field wall that scored Eugenio Suárez that made the difference for the Mariners in a 7-6 win over the Orioles in 10 innings on Thursday at Camden Yards. Seattle has won four of its last six games.
"Nice to win the series here,” said manager Scott Servais. "Abe Toro, late in the game, he's been coming up with big hits all year for us, ninth or 10th inning -- and another big one tonight.
“That's a really scrappy team over there. They do not quit. And they've got some guys trying to prove themselves. We had our hands full. It came down to a bullpen game and their bullpen was outstanding, as well. Big hit by us and we'll take it as we move on to Texas."
Suárez started the 10th inning at second base as the automatic runner before moving to third on a ground out. Toro was hoping to just make contact and get the run home against Orioles reliever Jorge López. He did more than that.
"He's got a lot of sinkers and curveballs, so I was just looking for something up in the zone," Toro said. "Trying to get a sac fly, so I was glad I got a good pitch to hit."
Diego Castillo tossed two scoreless innings to notch the victory, striking out three.
Mariners Take Series with Extra-Inning Win
Abraham Toro's 10th inning RBI triple proved to be the deciding factor in the Mariners 7-6 victory over the Orioles, closing out a three-game set in Baltimore.
Six , Six and a W.
Diego Castillo Secures Win
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
"It's as sharp as we've seen Diego in a long time,” Servais said. “His confidence is back, and putting him in those high-leverage moments, he thrives in that. But he's executing pitches. The key to the game tonight, for him on the mound, was really getting ahead in
the count. He did that for the most part."
Seattle trailed 2-0 and 3-2 before a big sixth-inning rally. In the end, the offense put together 12 hits, including four doubles and a triple.
"Our offense is doing what they need to do,” said Servais. “Really happy with how we are swinging the bats. Had a good first night here. Last night, not so much. But tonight, we got it going again. We are going to need to continue to do that to create a little room
for our bullpen. We need more depth in our bullpen. We need guys to step up."
Jesse Winker was a big part of the offense, generating three hits, including two doubles, a walk and an RBI.
Jesse Winker's RBI Single
Another Look!!
"For a while now I have been trying to find these adjustments, and today, I kind of just went out and played," Winker said.
"I just thought he was super aggressive tonight,” said Servais. “If you look at it, he wasn't fouling the fastballs back tonight. He was putting them in play. He was on the fastball all night. His at-bats were awesome. He was on a mission tonight and it paid off for
him."
Luis Torrens two-RBI single to put the Mariners up 6-3.
3 -Hhit Night for Luis!
The game heated up in the sixth. Trailing early, the Mariners batted around to score four runs against four Orioles pitchers.
Suárez's single into right field scored Julio Rodríguez to tie the game at 3. Facing reliever Cionel Pérez, Adam Frazier’s sac fly to left field scored J.P. Crawford to give the Mariners their first lead, 4-3. Backup catcher Luis Torrens' season-high third hit of the night was
his biggest, a two-run single ripped into right-center field off Orioles reliever Joey Krehbiel that extended the lead to 6-3.
Thankfully, the M’s finally put together a big inning in the sixth. Three straight singles from Julio, J.P. Crawford, and Eugenio Súarez ultimately set the stage for an Adam Frazier sacrifice fly and a Torrens two-RBI single to put the Mariners up 6-3.
But not to be outdone, the Orioles scored three times in the bottom of the inning off of Mathew Festa, tying the game at 6.
Starting pitcher Chris Flexen got knocked around in the first, allowing RBI hits to Austin Hays and Ryan Mountcastle that gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead. Hays had a pair of run-scoring hits in his first two at-bats.
But Flexen got the biggest out of his night in the fifth. With a man in scoring position, the right-hander was able to force Hays to fly out to deep center field to end the scoring chance. Flexen finished five innings, allowing three runs on six hits.
Ty France’s career-high 13-game hitting streak ended with an 0-for-5 performance. Taylor Trammell smacked a double in the third, his fifth double in his last nine games.
Now, the Mariners venture to Texas for a weekend series against the Rangers, fresh off only their second road series victory of the season.
"It's huge,” Winker said. “Any time you can win a baseball game, it's big. That's a good team. They can hit, they can play defense and they can really pitch. Any time you can beat a scrappy team like that, it's big."
TORONTO --Chris Flexenmight be the Mariners’ latest rendition of Félix Hernández.
No, Flexen doesn’t possess the Cy Young caliber stuff that Hernández did during his peak days in Seattle, but he’s getting a taste of one theme that became all too prevalent during The King’s grandest days: Run support, or lack thereof.
Flexen pitched competitively enough to hold the Blue Jays to just two runs while he was on the hill -- solo homers to Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman in the first and second innings -- and one more via a walk that he left on base when he departed in the sixth. Yet
Seattle’s bats were blanked again while he was on the mound for the fifth time in his seven outings, including each of his past two.
All the Mariners were able to get going in a6-2 lossat Rogers Centre on Monday was a solo homer fromEugenio Suárezin the seventh, his seventh of the season and 200th of his career, then a one-out RBI single by Adam Frazierin the ninth, by which point the
game was essentially out of reach. Suárez’s milestone was a big one, but it was lost in the lack of offensive traction from the rest of Seattle’s hitters, which managed just three other hits, credited in large part by the effectiveness of old friend Yusei Kikuchi.
“We didn't do anything offensively for [Flexen],” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “We've really struggled to give him much run support. I don't know why, no explanation for it, it's just been a struggle there.”
Eugenio Suárez's 200th Homer
J.P. Crawford WAVE
Eugenio Suarez is now 1 of 23 active players with 200 career Home Runs
Eugenio Suarez vs Trevor Richards Home Run
Exit velo: 106.5 mph
Launch angle: 36 deg
Proj. distance: 382 ft
This would have been a home run in 28/30 MLB ballparks SEA(1) @ TOR (3) 7th
A big component to Flexen’s success in his breakout season last year was that he was consistently pitching with breathing room, and it’s been the complete opposite in 2022.
Flexen’s run support average, per 9 IP
2021: 5.61 (10th-highest in MLB, minimum 30 IP)
2022: 1.14 (Lowest in MLB, minimum 30 IP)
Yet a pitchers’ rule is to never complain about the shortcomings of his offense.
“No, you go out there and compete,” Flexen said. “For me, you’re out there trying to compete, put us in the best situation to win a ballgame. Those guys continue to battle, as we saw with a late little rally at the end there. It’s part of the game. I’m going to go out
there and continue to try to compete and execute.”
Dylan Moore lays out to make an Great Grab
For added context, the Mariners have been shut out five times this year, second most in the Majors, and Flexen was on the bump for four of those outings.
Mariners’ lineup in games by SP
Flexen: 31-for-216 (.144)
Everyone else: 246-for-980 (.251)
Flexen out-whiffed Kikuchi, 14 to 11, and had more strikeouts, a season-high seven to Kikuchi’s six. He also paid for two mistake pitches at the top of the zone -- a hanging curveball to Bichette that he knew was gone immediately, and a high-and-away fastball to
Chapman. But given that the Mariners couldn’t get much going against Kikuchi, who played in Seattle from 2019-21, it left Flexen walking on a tightrope.
“We’ve got to do more to help him out a little bit,” Servais said. “It's crazy. There's no rhyme or reason for it, who we get matched up against or even that. We just haven't, like I said, given him much support, much cushion at all, and when you're pitching on a fine
line like that, a mistake here and there will hurt you.”
Kikuchi went four innings before surrendering his first hit, a leadoff double toJesse Winkerin the fifth, but that was all the Mariners mustered against their former teammate. Seattle’s lone All-Star from last year was able to consistently find a rhythm.
“I was looking forward to this, for sure. ... I built some really great relationships with not just my teammates, but a lot of the staff over there as well,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “To be able to go out there against my former team definitely feels great.”
The Mariners saw just nine first-pitch strikes from Yusei Kikuchi tonight among the 22 batters he faced -- an issue of his that they knew all too well. Yet he was consistently able to work himself back into counts, which helped him finish 6 innings.
Even after a big series win at Citi Field over the weekend, the Mariners have now lost 14 of their past 19 games -- more than half their schedule -- over which they’ve scored 56 runs (2.9 per game).
Compounding the challenges are that 1) Monday looked like the most winnable game of the series, on paper, with José Berríos and Kevin Gausman slated for the next two, and 2) Toronto had also been reeling, having lost six of its past seven entering the night and
five of Kikuchi’s six starts for the year.
“We've seen Yusei a lot,” Servais said. “He got good results.”
Jen Mueller@JenTalksSports I still love the BP bat for@JRODshow44
makes his way into the @Mariners Hall of Fame this summer. What’s your favorite Ichiro moment?
mlb.com Ichiro Mariners Hall of Fame Weekend – August 26-28
Sunday May 18
FINAL
SEA 3 v 1 MNU
RECAP: Sounders Triumph over Minnesota United with Three Second-Half Goals
HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Minnesota United FC May 15, 2022
By Ryan Krasnoo
The Seattle Sounders defeated Minnesota United 3-1 on Sunday at Lumen Field behind second-half goals from Raúl Ruidíaz, Cristian Roldan and Nicolás Lodeiro.
Robin Lod opened the scoring in the 34th minute after the two sides traded opportunities in the first half.
Ruidíaz had a close-range effort saved by Dayne St. Clair in the 5th minute before Stefan Frei kept out a Lod header with a great reaction save in the 25th minute.
In the 30th minute, Lod had another chance to open the scoring when his one-timed shot from the left side of the 18-yard box skipped just past the far post. Two minutes later, the Sounders nearly scored as Jordan Morris hit the far post and the rebound was
cleared before Ruidíaz could pounce.
Lod finally found the breakthrough after a missed clearance in the box fell at his feet from eight yards out.
After the halftime intermission, Ruidíaz capitalized from the penalty spot in the 50th minute after Roldan was taken down in the box following a nice feed from Albert Rusnák.
Rusnák nearly gave the Sounders the lead in the 71st minute when his left-footed strike inside the box was saved by St. Clair.
Roldan scored the winner in the 74th minute on a Goal of the Week nominee with an audacious strike from 20 yards out that found the top corner.
Lodeiro iced the match in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Roldan picked him out on a cross at the far post, and the Sounders captain calmly deposited his second goal of the MLS season.
The Sounders move to 10-1-1 all time against Minnesota in MLS play, the best record of one opponent against a single team in at least 10 matches in MLS history. The Loons have still yet to take a point at Lumen Field.
Ruidíaz off the mark
Ruidíaz opened his 2022 MLS account in his fourth match and second start of the league season. He already had three in Concacaf Champions League play, including a brace in the second leg of the CCL Final win over Pumas UNAM.
Roldan masterclass
Roldan was excellent on Sunday, recording a goal, an assist and drawing a penalty. He’s been a revelation for Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on the attacking right side and was instrumental in the Sounders’ second-half comeback.
Press Conference:
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer speaks to media following the club's 3-1 win vs Minnesota United.
Interview: Cristian Roldan post-match vs Minnesota United
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan speaks to media following the club's 3-1 win over Minnesota United.
Interview:Stefan Frei post-match vs Minnesota United
Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei speaks to media following the club's 3-1 win vs Minnesota United.
Rolling Stone
Inside Taylor Hawkins’ Final Days as a Foo Fighter https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-hawkins-foo-fighters-tribute-1347073/ via @RollingStone
March 22, 2022, was a muggy day in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital city. Thunderstorms had ruined the grounds of the Asunciónico festival, forcing Foo Fighters to cancel their headlining concert there that night, but severe weather couldn’t stop hundreds of fans from
gathering around the Sheraton, where the group was staying. Taylor Hawkins, the band’s charismatic drummer and singer, known for his athletic performances and surprising vocal agility, was hanging out in the lobby when the sound of a drum set came crashing
through the din, playing his parts to “The Pretender” and “Everlong.” The sound piqued his interest, so he ventured out to find the source.
In the month and a half since Hawkins’ death, Rolling Stone has interviewed 20 people, including several of the drummer’s best friends, about his career, legacy, and outlook near the end of his life.
“He had a heart-to-heart with Dave and, yeah, he told me that he ‘couldn’t fucking do it anymore’ — those were his words,” says Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron, a close friend of Hawkins’ for decades who recorded music with him recently under the banner
Nighttime Boogie Association, one of Hawkins’ many side projects.
Metro
Ukrainian fighters holed up in Azovstal steel plant for two months finally freed
Go outside with NASA and watch the total lunar eclipse! On the evening of May 15, Earth will pass between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Starting at 9:32 p.m. EDT (1:32 UTC on May 16), people with clear skies
in the Americas, Europe, and parts of Africa will begin to see the Moon get bathed in the red glow of every sunrise and sunset refracted through Earth’s atmosphere. Totality will occur at 12:12 a.m. EDT on May 16 (4:12 UTC).
👋🏻Off to Toronto👋🏻
J-Rod, Raleigh Go Deep in Rubber Match Victory vs. Mets
Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh each crushed clutch home runs to lead the Mariners' charge in an 8-4 victory over the Mets in Sunday's series finale.
NEW YORK --Jesse Winker is joining the ranks of Bryce Harper, Chase Utley and Chipper Jones among all-time Mets nemeses, perhaps climbing up to Public Enemy No. 1 among current players. And he continued to relish the role with his latest act on Saturday at
Citi Field.
Winker crushed a game-tying, three-run homer off Chasen Shreve in the top of the seventh inning, stopped to watch it sail 417 feet into the soggy night, then took his time to trot around the bases. After he crossed the plate and high-fived Eugenio Suárez, Winker
turned and gave a long wave to Mets fans behind home plate before retreating into the dugout, where he continued to banter with them from the top step.
Though the blast didn’t lead to a win, as the Mariners bullpen couldn’t hold the tie, in an eventual5-4 loss, it might’ve been the spark Winker needed to get going in what’s been a tough start with his new team.
"I'm going to be honest with you, I love them,” Winker said of Mets fans. “They are an amazing group of people. They are very passionate about their team and their city. And from a guy who, born in upstate New York, is a big fan of that football team up there [the
NFL’s Buffalo Bills], I can understand the passion and I respect it. This thing we've got going on is special."
Winker again had a chance to spoil the party in the top of the ninth for the 37,140 on hand, who waited out a one-hour, eight-minute rain delay. And in a matchup with former Mariners closer Edwin Díaz, Winker nearly did. In a 2-2 count, Winker connected on a low-
and-in slider that came off the bat at 99.8 mph -- from one knee -- and traveled 355 feet but yanked outside the right-field foul pole. Winker thought he got all of it, but the Mets wound up with the last laugh.
EDWIN DÍAZ STRIKES OUT THE SIDE AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM! METS WIN 5-4!
Edwin Díaz Earns Save
“I did, man, but obviously it went foul,” Winker said. “He's elite. He's a special pitcher, a special closer. We've had some battles against one another, as well, and he came out on top and they got to send me off with a wave. So, it’s kind of perfect how it works. You’ve
got to love baseball. It's poetry. It's beautiful. And for that little game in May, that was perfect for their side. That’s probably exactly how they wanted to close it.”
Winker has been fired up all weekend about playing at Citi Field, and for good reason. He knew that he’d be walking into a raucous environment because this good-natured brouhaha began three years ago when Winker was a regular visitor with the Reds.
The first kerfuffle began on back-to-back nights in May 2019, the second of which he crushed a go-ahead homer -- off Díaz, strangely enough -- then made a game-ending catch beforewavingto Mets fans in left field. The crowd evened the score in the series finale,
when Winker was ejected in the ninth inning of a 1-0 loss for arguing balls and strikes.
Then, in 2021, Winker traded an autographed ball with a personal message for a fan’s offensive poster targeted at him, in good faith citing how excited he was to have crowds welcomed back after pandemic restrictions eased. There have been other jabs in between, too.
If it seems odd that Winker has long been able to block out the commentary, especially when it’s personal, he channels his childhood and the heckling from his two older brothers.
“They would really say some personal things, my brothers, to get under my skin when I was a young buck,” Winker said. “Maybe they had a little inkling that something was coming down the road. I don't know. But there's nothing better than a good old-fashioned
Wiffle ball game in the front yard of a Winker household. I've heard it all.”
Shreve nonetheless took exception to Winker’s lengthy home-run trot and barked at him as he rounded the bases.
“When I throw the pitch, turn around, watch the ball go out, go to get another ball and you’re still, like, in the batter’s box? That’s a little too much,” Shreve said. “And then waving to the fans? It’s a little overkill. But whatever. That’s the way he is. He got me. I’ll get
him next time.”
But Winker wasn’t trying to show him up. It was just another chapter in a rivalry that is becoming must-watch.
“We had an idea it might get loud, and it’s OK,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It's all fine. That's what the game is about. Fans, and certainly this part of the country, they're going to get into it, and Jesse has been here before. He knows what to expect, and
he handled it just fine.”
Winker entered the night with just one homer, a solo shot on May 5, and just five other extra-base hits, all doubles. Thanks to a disciplined approach, he’s put together a .326 on-base percentage, mostly via 20 walks, yet even after Saturday's deep fly, he’s slugging
just .308. But perhaps it’s the kickstart he needed to get going in the right direction.
Russian Soldiers Shot Three Brothers and Threw Them in a Ditch. One Survived.
Mykola Kulichenko’s account is the basis of one of many war-crimes cases Ukrainian prosecutors are building against Russia
After he was left in a grave, ‘I realized I was alive,’ said Mykola Kulichenko. His wounds have now mostly healed.
By Isabel Coles Photographs by Adrienne Surprenant /MYOP for The Wall Street Journal
A group of Russian soldiers forced the three Kulichenko brothers to their knees on the edge of a freshly dug pit by a wheat field in northern Ukraine. Their legs and wrists were bound and they had been blindfolded with medical dressings, held fast with tape.
The first bullet killed the youngest brother, Yevgen. The second hit Dymytro, the eldest. The round aimed for Mykola struck him close to his right ear and came out above the right side of his mouth.
Soldiers pushed Mykola into the grave on top of Yevgen. He felt Dymytro’s weight land on him, then more pressure. Someone was shoveling earth over them.
“I realized I was alive,” said 33-year-old Mykola. The bullet had skimmed along the upper jaw on the inside of his cheek without causing any major damage.
Surviving execution was just the beginning. Ahead of him lay a harrowing journey home, evading Russian forces along the way.
Mr. Kulichenko’s account forms the basis of one of thousands of cases Ukrainian prosecutors are building against Russian forces they accuse of perpetrating war crimes, including summary executions, torture and rape.
The room where investigators said the three brothers were detained in a timber factory in Vyshneve.
Friends and relatives carry Yevgen and Dymytro’s coffins during their funeral in Dovzhyk.
The distance to Dovzhyk is about 12 miles in a straight line. Mr. Kulichenko estimated his route was roughly twice that long. His feet blistered so he shed his shoes and continued barefoot across the fields. A man with a horse and cart gave him a lift part of the way, he said.
He was alone and on foot when he saw the familiar contours of his village at around 8 p.m., after 12 hours of walking.
1 March 18: Russian soldiers take the brothers from their home.
2 March 18-21: The brothers are driven to a Russian base in Vyshneve, where they are interrogated and kept in a basement with others.
3 March 21: Soldiers transport the brothers to the edge of a wheat field and shoot them, leaving them in a freshly dug grave.
4 March 21-22: Kolya spends the night in an abandoned house in Chumak, finds some help in Buianky, then makes his way home.
He approached Dovzhyk through the forest and spotted a Russian tank beyond the tree line. He remained hidden, taking the back paths first to a friend’s house and then to his father, Anatoliy.
Billboard Music Awards 2022: Complete winners list
Staff and wire reports
The Billboard Music Awards named Drake top artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album for "Certified Lover Boy."
The rapper extended his record as the most decorated winner in the history of the awards show with 34 wins.
Mary J. Blige was honored for her musical excellence, receiving the Icon Award. The singer, known as the queen of hip-hop soul, was presented the award by Janet Jackson and escorted on stage by Sean "Diddy" Combs – who emceed the show, which was
"I've been on this journey for a long time, one that didn't always look the way you see me now," she told the crowd. "One that is filled with a lot of heartache and pain, but God helped me to channel those experiences and emotions in my music."
Morgan Wallen, who was caught on camera in 2021 using a racial slur, won the top country artist award.
"I want to say, 'Thank God.' And thank my fans. I got the best damn fans," said Wallen, who thanked Billboard for inviting him. He did not mention last year's incident, which once found the disgraced singer rebuked by the music industry.
Morgan Wallen, who was caught on camera in 2021 using a racial slur, won the top country artist award.
"I want to say, 'Thank God.' And thank my fans. I got the best damn fans," said Wallen, who thanked Billboard for inviting him. He did not mention last year's incident, which once found the disgraced singer rebuked by the music industry.
The details emerging from America’s latest mass shooting were as stunning as they were familiar.
A lone gunman, allegedly driven by long-simmering racial animus, opened fire at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, with the apparent purpose of taking Black lives.
The 18-year-old, white suspect, dressed in body armor and armed with a rifle, killed 10 and wounded three, police say.
It is a grim scenario that has rattled federal, state and local law enforcement officials for years as racially motivated extremists have taken lives in Charleston, South Carolina; El Paso, Texas; Pittsburgh; Charlottesville, Virginia; and now Buffalo, New York.
FBI Director Christopher Wray, in testimony last year before a Senate committee, offered perhaps the most daunting assessment of an increasingly toxic threat, saying racially motivated attackers represented the most deadly and “biggest chunk” of an estimated
'Pure evil:' 10 killed in Buffalo, NY shooting labeled as hate crime
Police arrested the heavily-armored, 18-year-old white male suspect involved in what authorities described as "racially motived violent extremism."
AS USA
China’s Zhurong space rover makes surprising discovery on Mars
By William Gittins -
A new study published on Wednesday in Science Advances outlines new findings suggesting the presence of water on the surface of Mars in the past.
Data gathered by China’s Zhurong rover, a part of the Tianwen-1 mission, found evidence of water in the Red Planet’s Utopia Planitia basin. The findings came after hydrated sulphate and silica materials were identified.
The Zhurong rover has been conducting a mission on the surface of the northern hemisphere of Mars, where NASA’s Viking 2 rover landed in 1976. The latest Chinese mission is seeking to find evidence of the existence of life on the planet.
Enigmatic image of Curiosity: a door on Mars?
The NASA helicopter has seen communications interrupted for hours because its battery was turned off, and now they are trying to clarify what happened.
Ukrainian soldier plays national anthem on violin in symbol of hope in war against Russia
Dave Niehaus on Ken Griffey, Jr. - 6/3/2010 (day after Griffey retired)
Dave Niehaus, longtime Mariners radio play-by-play announcer, discusses Ken Griffey, Jr. on 6/3/2010, one day after Griffey retired from baseball. Interview conducted by Ian Furness on KJR 950 AM, Seattle.
Chris Cornell Rare Interview About Depression and Drugs | SCH TimeMachine
Chris Cornell, former frontman for iconic grunge band Soundgarden and post modern punk Audioslave gives some candid answers to questions about the lifestyles of rock stars from his era. His opinions on the role of drugs and depression and why pop stars are
usual candidates for destructive lifestyles. A posthumous, reflective look at a truly inspiring talent. Chris Cornell died on May 18 at age 52. Authorities have ruled his death a suicide. Rest In Peace Chris Cornell.
Marco Gonzales gets eerily similar back-to-back grounders to Adam Frazier in the shift
Ukraine sends images of dead Russian soldiers to their families. Hear the responses they received
May 14, 2022CNN's Sara Sidner reports on how Ukraine is using facial recognition technology to identify Russian soldiers killed in battle.
@JRODshow44's first home run in the bigs goes Feet!
Wall of Dust Sallows Sioux Falls City goes Dark
Ukraine forces push Russians out of Kharkiv as NATO, G7 hold talks on WAR Ukraine Update
Seahawks v. Broncos Week 1, 2022
Keeping score at baseball games helped me forge a deeper connection to baseball. If you want to learn how or take your scorekeeping to the next level, here are a few tips including where to buy a great scorebook that supports a small business.
If it’s possible to inherit baseball appreciation, then it’s certainly baked into my DNA. A penchant for scoring games was passed down too. My mom has great memories of summer days spent sitting (and sweating) on their porch in O’Fallon, Illinois, crowded around a
radio, listening to Cardinals games brought to life via the radio. My great aunt Ca was often on that porch, making sure the kids maintained a respectful volume, so as not to interfere with her dutifully keeping score.
Years later, when I started playing Little League softball and my team needed a volunteer scorekeeper, my mom continued the family tradition by offering up her services. She’s been scoring baseball games ever since. I took up the mantle right alongside her. I
inherited my mom’s love for keeping book like it was hair color, and as a result, I’ve forged a more profound connection to baseball. Keeping score is an award-winning soundtrack to an already great movie, and there’s some kind of sensory witchcraft that happens
when the perfect audio track is married to a scene.
The iconic sign and clock at Pike Place Market is being restored.
SEATTLE - You may have taken pictures of it or with it in the background, but starting this week, crews will begin renovations on the iconic sign and clock at Seattle's Pike Place Market.
Officials at the market said for the next five weeks, the sign will be going through a restoration and preservation project.
Seahawks 2022 Schedule Announced, Includes Five Home Games In Final Seven Weeks
The Seahawks’ 2022 schedule is here, and it includes a Monday night opener and a regular-season finale against the defending champion Rams.
With the NFL expanding to 17 games last season, NFC teams, the Seahawks included, will get nine home games this season after the AFC enjoyed that advantage a year ago, while NFC teams will play two of three preseason games on the road in 2022.
Looking to bounce back from their first losing record in a decade, the Seahawks will open the season hosting the Broncos on Monday Night Football on September 12, a game that will feature Russell Wilson's return to Lumen Field after joining the Broncos in a trade this offseason.
Seahawks Host Broncos On Monday Night Football To Open 2022 Season
The Seahawks will open their season in prime time, hosting Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, then will play at the 49ers in Week 2.
The Seahawks will open their 2022 season playing on a national stage, hosting the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 1
The game, which will kick off at 5:15 p.m. PT on September 12, will air on ESPN and ABC, and will mark just the second time in six seasons that the Seahawks have opened the season at home. Dating back to 2003, the Seahawks have won 17 of their last 19 home
openers, including 12 straight prior to last year's Week 2 overtime loss to Tennessee. It will also be the first time in franchise history that the Seahawks have opened a season on Monday Night Football.
Seahawks fans will be marking their calendars for this one.
On Thursday, Pro Football Focus' Ari Meirov (via Vic Lombardi) revealed that we won't have to wait long to see Russell Wilson's return to the Pacific Northwest.
He'll be back for the season opener.
Per Meirov, "Russell Wilson will return to Seattle as a member of the #Broncos in Week 1 on Monday Night Football, ... NFL is not wasting time with this one."
Noting, "That will also be Joe Buck and Troy Aikman's first regular season game for ESPN."
The NFL world reacted to the highly-anticipated Week 1 matchup on Twitter.
"Drew Locke revenge game," commented one Seahawks fan.
"LETSSSS GOOOO GIVE ME ALL THE SMOKE!!!" another replied. "Wilson gonna murder these bozos."
"Broncos by 80," laughed a Packers fan.
"Aka give the Seahawks a prime time game early when people are still football thirsty enough to watch Drew Lock."
"If the Broncos lose it will be chaos," pointed out a Chargers fan.
Definitely one to watch for as the NFL season kicks off.
Ukrainian soldier reveals how he secretly blew up Russian bridge https://www.newsweek.com/ukrainian-soldier-reveals-how-he-secretly-blew-russian-bridge-1706083
A Tale of Two Gilberts - Seattle Mariners don’t do enough to balance out bad inning from otherwise solid rookie
Ukraine’s ‘Road of Death’: Video Investigation Shows Russians Fired on Civilians
Dozens of Ukrainian civilians were killed on one four-mile stretch of road outside Kyiv during the month of March. A WSJ analysis of videos, photos and social media posts reveals how Russian forces positioned themselves around the road to fire on and kidnap fleeing civilians.
Fleeing Russian soldiers left behind key military documents that indicate Putin had plans to seize all of Ukraine, officials said https://www.businessinsider.com/abandoned-documents-show-putin-hoped-to-seize-all-ukraine-official-2022-5?
utmSource=twitter&utmContent=referral&utmTerm=topbar&referrer=twitter via @businessinsider
Russia fires hypersonic missiles at Odesa Ukrainian officials said Tuesday
that Russia pounded away at Ukraine's vital southern port of Odesa. (May 10) AP
Plane Passenger Flys and Lands Plane
Watch: Runner Makes Remarkable Comeback After Losing Shoe
There is usually no room for mistakes in a 200-meter sprint but one runner overcame a very unfortunate start after she lost her shoe right out of the gate.
Relaxing for a minute after destroying a Russian tank and looting an RPG
Seahawks Wire
Tyler Lockett optimistic about Seahawks despite rough offseason
By Patrick Olde Loohuis -
After a dispiriting start to the Seattle Seahawks’ 2022 offseason highlighted (lowlighted?) by the departures of longtime franchise stalwarts Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the team appears to have had a fruitful draft class, bringing in highly-touted prospects like
Charles Cross, Boye Mafe and Kenneth Walker III, among others.
Some, like wide receiver Tyler Lockett, believe there are reasons for optimism for the long-term future.
“I’m excited,”Lockett said, “I think that we have a great team at hand. I think that we’re seeing it each and every day. We’re understanding new schemes, new philosophies, new offense, new defense. I think that it’s going to be a great season, honestly, I do.”
The Seahawks are in retooling mode, but Lockett remains as optimistic as ever. With the team in no favorable position to compete, this upcoming season may still provide a clear view of Seattle’s future, for better or for worse.
Logan Gilbert, and K SWAG, Logan Gilbert K's 9 in 5 inning
Second-Round Pick Ken Walker After His First Seahawks Practice
Running back and second-round draft choice Ken Walker following his first Seahawks practice at rookie minicamp in Renton, May 6, 2022.
I think if we rank all those positions out, the Broncos would finish at the bottom of the pack in all of those categories.
"So unless [Wilson] is able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, I just don't see the Broncos closing the gap and being a very competitive, championship-caliber team."
NEW EPISODE! This week we review the 1987 @kiss album, “Crazy Nights”. It’s one of their more polarizing albums due to the pop sound and heavy use of keyboards but went platinum!
CHECK US OUT!https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shoutitoutloudcast?selected=PAN8828608325…@brucekulick@EricCarr_TheFox@genesimmons
Seahawks new tackles 'jumped out' to Pete Carroll during rookie camp
By Liz Mathews
The Seattle Seahawks held their rookie minicamp over the weekend and coach Pete Carroll was able to get his first look at the 202 NFL draft class on the field together.
“I thought everybody was able to show something, and the tackles jumped out right off the bat,” Carroll told reporters on Sunday when he was asked which positions stood out.
The Seahawks selected left tackle Charles Cross out of Mississippi State in the first round and WSU right tackle Abe Lucas in the third. Both will be serious contenders for starting spots this summer at training camp.
“Both guys look well-equipped, physically,” Carroll continued. “They look like they can move like we would hope they can move. They’re both bright kids, and will pick up their stuff, so the process is underway.
“I was really fired up about that.”
Gene Simmons: when Kiss play their last song I’ll be crying like a baby https://www.loudersound.com/features/gene-simmons-when-kiss-play-their-last-song-ill-be-crying-like-a-baby
The Seahawks Dancers
@SeahawksDancers
KISS Returns To Comics In New Series From Dynamite https://imgur.com/RfddsQV
"Competing, that's the biggest thing I've picked up on from coach (Pete) Carroll is to compete, and that's exactly what we did at Cincinnati, having the two best corners," said Bryant, who shared a secondary with No. 4 overall pick Ahmad Gardner. "Just going up
and competing and that's just the philosophy here is to compete and that's what I do and that's what I love to do."
Bryant said a lot of the terminology and scheme Seattle runs are similar to what he did in college, noting, "I picked up in quite fast. Hopefully Coach Carroll and Coach (Karl) Scott can see that for themselves."
Bryant also has familiarity with he kick-step technique Seattle asks its corners to use when they're playing press coverage.
"That's what we did at Cincinnati as well, so I'm extremely familiar with it, so now it's all about taking to the next level and just being that dominant corner that hopefully I can be and that I pride myself on being," he said.
#Ukraine The drone video of how Russian troops near Rubizhne in the Luhansk region once again hit a tank containing nitric acid, which is dangerous for people
"I Identify with #DaveGrohl so much,my bass player of 13 years, 4 Albums Found him Dead on the floor of his bedroom"
10 Bands Who Wouldn’t Exist Without Iron Maiden https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-bands-who-wouldnt-exist-without-iron-maiden
Metallica
Lars Ulrich might be the world’s biggest Diamond Head fan, but he acknowledges that it was Maiden who remain his band’s biggest inspiration. “They have always been the one that's probably inspired Metallica the most, they had cooler record covers,” he told Zane
Lowe in 2020. “They seem to care more about the fans.”
Play music by Frank King Drums & Percussion - https://www.reverbnation.com/kingkaps7?0
SEA 6 vs 3 HOU 
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Another look at this golazo from @CristianRoldan! 
@JRODshow44 
