Mariners Win U.S. Opening Day, Figgins, Ackley

Figgins is now 4 for 12 in three games for the Mariners

The Mariners silenced the doubters of their offense for at least one day on Friday evening. Chone Figgins, Dustin Ackley and others provided enough offense to defeat the Athletics 7-3 in Oakland.

Jason Vargas (1-0 2.31 Era) was the starter tonight becoming one of the few Mariners to ever start back-to-back games. Freddy Garcia and Gil Meche have also partaken in this rare feat. Vargas pitched 5.1 innings and allowed two runs while striking out only three A’s batters. The two runs Vargas allowed were the second homerun of the season for Oakland rookie Yoenis Cespedes (.300, 2 HR, 4 RBI).

Besides the victory, the most optimistic news of the game is likely Figgins’ performance. Going 3-4 with a run scored and two RBI is a solid days effort. Of course it’s only one game and Figgins is 4 for 12 after the three games against the A’s. It’s no secret that many have grown tired of waiting for him to play up to the expectations they had when he signed as a free agent from the Angels. After two disappointing seasons many were shocked to see manager Eric Wedge show confidence in Figgins, naming him the teams leadoff hitter and starting third-baseman before the season began. Figgins did in fact start the season as the leadoff hitter but has moved into more of a utility role with Franklin Gutierrez‘s injury sidelining him for the start of the 2012 season.

Moving Figgins off of 3B has allowed Kyle Seager playing time as a starter. Seager made a case to remain a starter tonight going 2-4 with 2 RBI.

In all, the Mariners mustered up 13 hits for 7 runs and are now 2-1 in 2012. Tomorrow will see Felix Hernandez (0-0 1.13 Era) take the mound in O.co Coliseum when he faces Bartolo Colon (1-0 1.13 Era).

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Paul Novak

Editor at Seattle Sports Central

I’ve been a huge fan of the Seahawks and Mariners since childhood. Raised in downtown Seattle just minutes from the sports heaven that was the Kingdome. I remember seeing the dust spread over the city from my apartment window when they blew it up. I swear a single tear rolled down my face as I watched. The day either team wins it all will be the day I can die a happy man. Go Hawks!

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