MARINERS’ RANDY JOHNSON BLANKS INDIANS IN OPENING DAY SHUTOUT
Eternal Baseball Press
SEATTLE – On a night where Seattle’s defense sparkled and Randy Johnson dominated, the eyes of Seattle are squarely centered on Ken Griffey Jr. following the Mariners 4-0 Opening Day victory over the Cleveland Indians.
“The Big Unit” struck out six of the first twelve batters he faced and was staked to a 4-0 lead on a Bret Boone RBI single, a scorching RBI double from Raul Ibanez, and a 406-foot 2-run homer from Mike Zunino. Cleveland catcher Victor Martinez led off the fifth inning, tapping a shallow fly ball to center field off the end of his bat. Seattle center fielder Griffey Jr. scrambled in and made the catch but landed awkwardly, with his left hand curling under his body upon impact. The Mariners training staff rushed to help, and Griffey Jr. was removed from the game for tests to determine the severity of the injury.
Cleveland’s Addie Joss (0-1) allowed four runs on eights hits, walking none and striking out six, but took the loss. Johnson (1-0) looked as good as ever, allowing just one runner to reach second base in a four-hit, eleven strikeout complete game shutout. Griffey Jr. is scheduled for X-rays later tonight, and the team is expected to update the media in the morning.
The Mariners will try for more home cookin’ tomorrow night, sending “King” Felix Hernandez to the mound to face Indians right-hander Stan Coveleski. First Pitch from T-Mobile Park is at 7:05 PM PST.
Photo Credit: Seattle Mariners Game by terren in Virginia
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