A three-run first inning Friday provided the perfect start for the Mariners to a 12-game trip that spans four cities and will likely determine whether they play meaningful games in September.
Even better was another strong performance from by Erasmo Ramirez before the bullpen closed out a 7-1 victory at Tampa Bay. Throw in a 482-foot homer by Nelson Cruz, the longest in Tropicana Field history, and, yep, a pretty good night.
"It’s like I always say — it starts with the pitching," Cruz said. "Erasmo and the bullpen did the job today. They gave up one run, and (the Mariners’) offense scored seven.