Mariners update

  • Saturday, August 21, 2004 9:00pm
  • Sports

Opponent: Detroit Tigers

When: 10:05 a.m.

Where: Comerica Park in Detroit

TV: FSN (cable)

Radio: KOMO (1000 AM)

Probable starters: Seattle right-hander Gil Meche (3-5, 5.63 earned run average) vs. left-hander Mike Maroth (10-7, 4.39)

In search of Sisler

As Ichiro Suzuki’s chase of the major league single-season hits record heats up, he continues to astound his peers.

The Detroit Tigers, for instance, wonder why he doesn’t already hold the record – Ichiro’s career average in Comerica Park was .421 coming into the game Saturday. And then he tripled in his first at-bat.

That gave Ichiro 194 hits this season, and Tigers manager Alan Trammell was as appreciative as anyone.

“There’s no one in the league like Ichiro, probably no one in the game,” he said. “Speed is weapon for a lot of players on the bases, but him it’s a weapon at the plate.

“If you’re an infielder, you’re aware of how fast he is, and it makes you try to make a play a little quicker. That’s an edge for him.”

Trammell was asked about how Ichiro seems to be moving toward first base even before swinging the bat.

“Most players who move up during their at-bat have trouble because their hands come with them as they move,” Trammell said. “You watch Ichiro, his body may be coming forward, but his hands are still back – he’s in the cocked position.”

Carlos Guillen, who was Ichiro’s teammate in Seattle for three seasons, said nothing has changed in the Mariners’ leadoff hitter.

“He got three hits (Friday) and most guys don’t get a hit on any of those balls,” Guillen said. “You don’t see hitters getting three infield hits a night. He does that sometimes, and then he starts hitting line drives.”

Guillen appreciated Ichiro’s hitting so much that, before the game Saturday, he sought Ichiro out for a discussion on swing and balance.

Can Ichiro match George Sisler’s record of 257 hits in a season?

“Why not?” asked Guillen.

Buhner Night will be televised: For those not attending the Mariners’ game Tuesday, when Jay Buhner will be inducted into the team hall of fame in pregame ceremonies, get out the VCR. Channel 11 (KSTW) will broadcast the game that night, as well as the Buhner ceremonies, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Safeco Field.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tulalip Heritage’s JJ Gray makes a layup during the winner-to-state playoff game against Muckleshoot Tribal School on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hawks beat ‘brothers from the south’ to earn state bid.

Tulalip Heritage wins Tri-District game, pride against Muckleshoot Tribal School.

Stanwood junior Ellalee Wortham (2) lunges toward the basket past several Monroe defenders to attempt an underhand layup in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. Wortham scored 33 points in the 59-41 win for the Spartans, eclipsing 1,000 career points. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Wortham hits 1,000 career points, leads Stanwood to state

A 33-point outing led to a 59-41 win against Monroe in the Girls 3A District 1 semifinals.

Shorecrest senior Cassie Chesnut attempts a free throw in the Scots' 47-23 win against Snohomish in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls basketball upsets Snohomish in District 1 3A semis

An 18-0 third-quarter run allows Scots to blow by top-seeded Panthers 47-23.

Arlington junior Tre Haines stands atop the podium after winning the District 1 Boys 4A Wrestling 157-pound championship on Feb. 8 in Mill Creek, Washington. Lake Stevens senior Jarrell David placed second, Arlington junior Marquell Butler placed third and Lake Stevens sophomore Felix Ramsey placed fourth in the weight class. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald).
Arlington’s Tre Haines embraces pressure on path for glory

The two-time state wrestling champion will aim to ‘3-peat’ at Mat Classic XXXVI this weekend.

The Shorewood bench reacts to 3-point shot during the 3A district playoff game against Shorecrest on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Meadowdale, Shorewood keep state hopes alive.

The Arlington bench reacts to a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Arlington, GP punch state tickets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Jim Moore: New M’s TV analyst Angie Mentink will silence the doubters

Angie Mentink steps in broadcast booth to fill void left by Dave Sims’ departure.

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.