Check out the New Video “Last Day Under The Sun” - the New Song from the new album “Rewind, Replay, Rebound” - out now.
Ukraine Rushes to Evacuate Civilians in East as Russia’s Offensive Pushes Forward
SLOVYANSK, Ukraine—Ukrainian authorities are scrambling to evacuate the remaining civilians from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions as Russia begins its new military offensive here and pitched battles get closer to the area’s main population centers.
The main cities in the Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, such as Kramatorsk, Slovyansk and Severodonetsk, have already turned into ghost towns, with almost all stores and businesses closed, streets emptied and only a handful of apartments in
each housing block still inhabited.
As the massing Russian forces attempt to push through Ukrainian defenses, Ukrainian officials have warned that any civilians staying behind could be trapped—as happened in February in the city of Mariupol, where Kyiv says more than 10,000 people have died in
weeks of bloody urban fighting.
On Monday, two Russian battalion tactical groups with some 60 tanks managed to break through Ukrainian lines after a three-day battle and take the town of Kreminna in Luhansk region, Ukrainian officials said. From Kreminna, the Russian forces are attempting to
push through forested areas in the direction of Slovyansk.
“There is no more time for thinking. Leave! Thousands of residents of Kreminna didn’t get out in time and have now become hostages of the Russians,” Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk region, said Tuesday. “Save your lives so as not to become cheap labor for
the Russians or not to be mobilized into occupation forces.”
The main cities in the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the region have already turned into ghost towns, with almost all stores and businesses closed, streets emptied and only a handful of apartments in each block still inhabited.2718 min ago6 min read
Three players not with the Kraken before the late March trade deadline score decisive goals and Seattle holds on for a second rollicking home victory in the last three nights
OTT @ SEA
Extended highlights of the Ottawa Senators at the Seattle Kraken
y'all know what the back of @MoneyLynch's jersey says? O-W-N-E-R
Marshawn Lynch Goes Beast Mode on the Zam!
BEASTMODE is in the building with some familiar faces
New guys rule: Kraken opens scoring with power-play goal on one-timer shot from Daniel Sprong(acquired at trade deadline) with primary assist on puck-on-tape pass fromVictor Rask(acquired at trade deadline).
After two quick strikes from Senators, rookie-who's-not-playing-like-a-rookieMatty Beniers (can you believe it?) ties it 2-2, deflecting an Adam Larssonshot. More new-guy heroics late second period on No. 1 star Rask's score to make it 3-2 at second intermission.
In a game that Seattle controlled and deserved to win (the final shots on goal total was 29-14 in favor of the home squad), leading goal scorerJared McCannnotches empty-netter to make it 4-2 final.
On a night when Kraken rookieMatty Beniersscored his second goal in as many games at Climate Pledge Arena, some other Seattle newcomers helped push this meeting with the Senators toward the win column. AfterVictor Raskset upDaniel Sprongfor the
game's first score on an impressive shot, Rask showed off his marksmanship late second period to provide what turned out to be Monday's game-winning goal.
"We were a step ahead of them all night," said a relaxed Kraken coach Dave Hakstol meeting the media post-game. "We were quicker and played with physicality in our game."
Hakstol was pleased with his squad pushing back after two Kraken miscues turned into two Ottawa goals in two minutes early in the second period.
"We did a good job pushing back after that," Hakstol said. "The Beniers goal was a good goal to get there."
McCann Extends Lead
Adam Larsson sends the stretch pass to the neutral zone, where Jared McCann takes it into the zone and drops it off into the empty net
EMPTY NETTER FOR MCCANN! THIS PLACE IS ROCKIN'!!!
When asked, even with a small sample size of three NHL games, has Hakstol observed growth in Beniers' game at this level, Hakstol was clear about his approval of the rookie's start: "Matty has been comfortable since his first shift [last Tuesday in Calgary]."
In fact, it's reasonable to assume some Kraken fans here on another noisy, fun night didn't realize Beniers was credited with his middle-period goal that tied the game at 2-2. That's because defensemanAdam Larsson's hard shot was redirected by the former
University of Michigan star deftly and somewhat silently with a quick stick-blade move in the "high slot" 20 feet from the net.
VeteranJordan Eberleknew right away and skated over to congratulate his new linemate. Beniers realized it, too, heading to the bench for the customary glove-bumping with teammates. The roar of the crowd was high decibels in either case, along with big cheers
for Beniers when he was announced as the goal scorer.
Beniers Levels Game
Adam Larsson launches the puck through traffic, where Matty Beniers tips it past Anton Forsberg and in to tie the game at 2 in the 2nd period
CHEERS FOR BENIERS! That's THREE points (2g-1a) in his first three@NHLgames!
MATTY FREAKING BENIERS, Y'ALL!!!!
Powering Up with the New Veteran Guys
Yanni Gourdewas questioned before the game if Seattle's recent low ebb on the power play was more about lack of opportunities or struggles to finish scoring chances during man-advantage situations.
Gourde's answer: A bit of both. Seattle ended a nine-game power play drought on Beniers' second-period score Saturday night in the thrilling overtime win. The Kraken followed with a power-play goal early first period Monday when two players GM Ron Francis
acquired at the trade deadline, Rask and Sprong, teamed up to make it 1-0 and the only dent on Ottawa goalie Anton Forsberg's 10-save first period.
Gourde’s play ruled a high stick. Kuhlman’s goal comes off the board and it’s 2-3 lead with 6:03 to play.
Sprong Strikes First With PPG
Victor Rask dishes the cross-ice pass to Daniel Sprong, who one-times it in from inside the circle for the power-play goal, making it 1-0
SPRONGER!!!!! we take an early lead
Rask took a pass fromVince Dunn (one of three assists Monday, making him tops on the team with 27). The former Minnesota Wild forward showed his evident patience with the puck, waiting several beats before sending a crisp cross-ice pass to Sprong, who one-
timed it for a goal and the lead.
"Last game we scored with Matty and wanted to get to a good start tonight," said Sprong, referring to a four-minute penalty call on Ottawa early in the game. He scored on his elite one-timer from a familiar spot, top of the left faceoff circle, to both the Kraken
forwards and hockey fans around the globe.
"I watched the greatest scorer of all time the last two years from that spot [former Washington Capitals teammate Alex Ovechkin, who btw has 48 goals this season]," offered Sprong without prompting. "I learned a lot from him. He was really good to me, he talked
to me... I picked up a lot of things."
Captain Nico and the fam love the @SeattleKraken! Nicolas Lodeiro
Those things: "The way goalies move, where [Ovechkin] wanted to put his shot depending on the goalie and situation, places to open up his stance and get the shot off."
Late second period, Rask beat Forsberg short side, upper left corner on a missile of a shot after taking a feed from linemateJoonas Donskoi. These two are making Francis look even smarter at the trade table. When the main storyline on the March 21 deadline was
accumulating draft choices (including a first-rounder and four second-rounders this summer), the two players he picked up in trades have scored seven goals between them in less than a month.
Rask has three goals and three assists in 10 games with the Kraken. Sprong has scored four goals in 10 games. Rask looked like he was feeling it during the second and third period, especially after his goal.
"I was getting a lot of touches," he said. "The more you touch the puck, the more confident you can be."
Rask Captures Lead
Off the turnover, Joonas Donskoi grabs Alex Wennberg's pass and sends it across to Victor Rask, who wrists it in from the circle, making it 3-2
RASK WITH A LASER! KRAKEN WITH THE LEAD!!!!!!
The Rookie New Guy Update
Ok, let's all acknowledge a three-game sample is not a data scientist's dream, but can we agree Beniers has an early knack for second-period goals.
While the goal is most notable, it was the third straight game of Beniers showing offensive flair (three shots on goal, speed in the neutral ice, winning pucks back in the Senators' end to extend offensive zone possession leading to chances for linemates Eblerle
and Ryan Donato). On the defensive ledger, Beniers continues to disrupt opponents with the puck in all three zones and earn trust from the SEA coaches as evidenced by having top-three time on ice along with veteran forwards Eberle and McCann. He finished
second (seven seconds left) only to Eberle among Kraken forwards, including getting extra half-shifts in the defensive zone when Seattle was holding to the late one-goal margin.
Check out tonight's @WaFdBank's Signature Save of the Game!
Seattle Kraken Head Coach Dave Hakstol speaks with the press after a win against Ottawa.
Seattle Kraken Forward Victor Rask talks to the media after a win against the Senators.
Seattle Kraken Forward Daniel Sprong answers questions after a win against Ottawa.
Seattle Kraken minority owner Macklemore and Kraken team president Victor DeBonis speak with the media.
Here's a look at our data-driven Instant Analysis from Sportlogiq (Click HERE for how to read this graphic):
Seattle Kraken minority owner Macklemore unveils the starting lineup ahead of playing the Senators.
Davy Jones Hat Goes To Larsson
Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson earns the Davy Jones hat after a win over Ottawa.
Congratulations to forward Matty Beniers (@Matty_Beniers10) who is making his NHL debut tonight!
Mariners Baseball: The Clutch is Coming
The clutch is coming. Mariners baseball is back beginning on April 7 at Minnesota, and the squad makes their 2022 debut in front of the home crowd on April 15 at T-Mobile Park.
By Hannah Ritchie, Masha Angelova and Rob Picheta, CNN -
Abrigade accused of committing war crimes in the Ukrainian town of Bucha has been awarded an honorary title by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Troops in the 64th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade were named by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense as war criminals earlier this month, after mass graves containing murdered civilians were discovered and dead bodies lay in the street following the withdrawal
of Russian forces from the Kyiv region.
In a signed letter on Monday, Putin congratulated the unit for their "great heroism and courage" and awarded the unit the title of "Guards" for "protecting Russia's sovereignty."
"Through astute and bold actions during the special military operation in Ukraine, the unit's staff became a role model in fulfilling its military duty, valor, dedication and professionalism," the president's congratulatory statement read.
The move will be seen as a public message to Ukraine's government and the West, after numerous international leaders condemned the alleged atrocities by Russian troops in the Ukrainian towns of Bucha and Borodianka.
Related video: Russian actor speaks out after mother disowns him for not supporting war (CNN)
Earlier this month, accounts of summary executions, brutality and indiscriminate shelling emerged in the wake of Russia's hasty retreat from central Ukraine. CNN teams saw dozens of bodies buried or strewn across the ground in the devastated suburb of Bucha,
SEATTLE -- It had been 194 long days, made even longer by the disappointment of coming so close to the postseason, the promise of adding of four former All-Stars over the winter and the swelling anticipation following a 90-win campaign that had the Mariners
entering a season with higher expectations than any in recent memory.
Yet despite such a lengthy layoff, last year’sepic final weekendin Seattle felt like yesterday when the Mariners played in front of 45,023 of their home fans for the first time in 2022 during Friday’s dominant11-1 winover the Astros.
T-Mobile Park had another sellout, Seattle's fourth straight. It featured a home dugout feeding off electric fan energy. And it was a rout of a division rival, the one that the Mariners want to beat more than anybody -- and the one they are looking to supplant in the
American League West.
Yes, it felt like a more extreme hiatus than any recent offseason in Seattle. But it was worth the wait.
“We can have one of the best environments in the league, I think,” said Mariners starterMarco Gonzales, who threw seven innings of one-run ball. “And we saw a little bit of that tonight. You hear echoes of it throughout the lockout, through Spring Training. People
are excited, and they have every right to be excited.”
Gonzales Strikes Out Six
If it wasn’t clear how hungry and hopeful Mariners fans were entering the season, it was evident afterEugenio Suárez’s booming two-run homer in the eighth inning that pushed Seattle’s lead to 10 runs and sealed its ninth home-opening win in the past 10 years.
There was a massive roar of ovation for Seattle’s new third baseman, underscoring that, despite a blowout, seemingly no one had left the building.
“That was fun,” new Mariners second basemanAdam Frazier said. “I mean, that's what you dream about, playing in front of 45,000 people. That’s what you get up for and you get locked in for, so hopefully they keep coming out.”
Eugenio Suárez grounds into an RBI fielder's choice
Eugenio Suárez's Two-Run Homer
Like Suárez, Frazier is one of the newcomers, and he also got quite a warm welcome after roping four hits, driving in four runs and scoring twice while coming a homer shy of the cycle. Seattle’s new leadoff hitter put all of his elite contact skills on display and
showed why president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto had long tried to trade for him before finally acquiring him this past November.
Frazier had the headlining performance, but along with Suárez, Jesse Winker also contributed, adding an RBI and a run scored. After coming over from Cincinnati in a splashy Spring Training trade in March, both Suárez and Winker had seen from afar what was
brewing in Seattle, and they finally got their first taste on Friday.
“Fans can really carry you through a season, especially as it gets going and games start stacking,” said Winker, who had never been to Seattle before the team charter landed here Thursday. “The fans, the energy that they bring, it can really carry you and it can
really help you build momentum. And what happened tonight, that was a special atmosphere. That was probably my favorite atmosphere of a game I've played in.”
Jesse Winker's RBI single
The Mariners' performances up and down the lineup, as well as Gonzales’ gem, gave fans the platform to make Friday a special atmosphere.
Gonzales, coming offone of his toughest startswith the Mariners on Sunday in Minnesota, was far more effective by throwing first-pitch strikes to 17 of his 25 batters faced and by painting corners with better command of his sinker-changeup combo. He didn’t hide
that there was also motivation on Friday for the opponent. Gonzales entered the night with a 5.56 ERA in nine career starts against Houston, and Seattle had lost eight of those games.
“I was pitching with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder,” Gonzales said. “These guys have smacked me around for a long time, so it felt good to stick it to them a little bit.”
If the Mariners are going to reach the postseason for the first time in 21 years, their path will go through Houston and a club they’ve gone 43-82 against since 2015, when the Astros secured their first of six playoff berths in seven years.
As Seattle manager Scott Servais noted, it was only the first of 19 meetings between the two clubs in 2022. But it was a promising start.
“As good as tonight feels, it's only one game,” Servais said. “We’ve got a lot left to play, and we're going to play these guys a lot. We know they're very good. They're very talented. They’ve got a ton of experience. But it was a good way to start off.”
THE VIBES ARE GOOD
Ichiro delivers 1st pitch in full uni -- AND full wind up! 94 MPH
Friday night was the Mariners’ home opener at T-Mobile Park vs. the Astros. To help celebrate the occasion, the club welcomed a familiar face to deliver the first pitch:Ichiro Suzuki.
The 48-year-old Mariners legend took the mound in his full uniform from 2001, sporting the iconic No. 51 on his back.
Ichiro delivered a flaming fastball to Mariners phenom Julio Rodríguez behind the plate before embracing the 21-year-old with a bear hug.
Today, Ichiro serves as an instructor and special assistant to the chairman for the Mariners and has been around the team since his retirement in 2019.
Robbie Ray takes the mound in game two today at 4:10 p.m.
By Joey Pollizze
CHICAGO -- RookieMatt Brashwas getting ready for his first career start, warming up in the bullpen prior to Tuesday’s game, when the White Sox brought out their entire team, one at a time by car from center field. In front of a sellout crowd of 36,948 fans, this
was no Spring Training, no Minor Leagues. This was the big leagues.
“The pregame ceremony was extremely long, but for him to handle that, in his first Major League start, was awesome,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais. “I just said ‘Hey, go out and pitch like you’re a young kid pitching to Canada today.’ He looked at me [like],
‘I got this.’”
Brash, Seattle’sNo. 6and the league’sNo. 97prospect per MLB Pipeline, came out of the gate like it was a normal game, showcasing his arm power in the Mariners’ 3-2 loss. His first pitch was a 97.3 mph fastball that Tim Anderson fouled off. Then, two batters
later, Brash darted a 99.2 mph fastball past reigning AL MVP José Abreu for a strike.
Matt Brash records his first Major League strikeout
"I request the highest of fives!" -Eugenio Suárez, probably.
Brash’s first-inning line: no hits, no runs, no walks and two strikeouts. He sat both Luis Robert and Abreu down on swinging strikes, on two offspeed pitches out of the zone.
“I felt fine,” Brash said. “Pregame on the bus ride here, I was a little jittery, butterflies. But once I got out to the mound, I felt great.”
The strikeouts are nothing new for Brash. Last season at Class A Advanced Everett and Double-A Arkansas, Brash tallied 142 strikeouts in 97 1/3 innings, good for aK/9 rateof 13.1, earning him a nod as the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
That trend continued on Tuesday as Brash struck out six White Sox, becoming just the sixth pitcher in Mariners history to record six-plus strikeouts in his MLB debut since Ken Cloude did it on August 9, 1997 -- also against the South Siders.
“What an effort by Matt Brash,” Servais said. “To go out against a high-caliber, high-powered offense and command the strike zone and be in total control, [I’m] really excited for him.”
Brash got some early run support on a 364-foot home run from Eugenio Suárez, giving Seattle a lead in the second inning. However, the Mariners didn’t supply any more runs for the Canadian native.
Eugenio Suárez's Solo Home Run
After Brash gave up a walk and a single in the third inning, the White Sox were in striking distance. Then, J.P. Crawford bobbled a ground ball, allowing Brash’s first earned run of the game.
Still, the Mariners were tied at 1 with the White Sox entering the sixth inning, with Brash still on the mound. Unfortunately, the rookie wouldn’t finish the frame, giving up a home run to Roberts and a single to Abreu in consecutive at-bats.
“That was a slider that I got too much of the plate,” said Brash of the home run. “He’s obviously a really good hitter.”
The rookie’s final line was 5 1/3 innings, with four hits, two runs, one walk and six strikeouts. He also had 11 swings and misses on his curveball -- the most in an MLB debut since 2009.
Brash had 11 whiffs on his curveball today, the most in a rookie debut, since 2009
“That’s my game plan every time, attack these hitters,” Brash said. “I was trying to get ahead early with offspeed and fastballs, and I thought I did a really good job of that.”
Despite another quiet day for the Mariners’ offense, there’s reason to believe that they will pick things up.
“Our team really competed our tail off,” said Servais. “We had a lot of chances and we hit some balls hard today that didn’t fall in for us.”
The Mariners had six at-bats with an exit velocity of over 100 mph, including three that went for outs. They also were robbed twice by spectacular grabs from the White Sox fielders, especially a catch from Luis Robert in the third that would have plated at least one,
if not two runs, off the bat of Jesse Winker.
But what mattered most for Seattle going forward was the 23-year-old pitcher who played his heart out, with family and friends in the stands, against a tough White Sox lineup.
“I competed and showed what I got,” said Brash. “I’m just ready to get back out there. It was a lot of fun.”
Eugenio Suárez
Julio Rodríguez Joins Intentional Talk
Julio Rodríguez hopped on Intentional Talk on MLB Network to chat about getting the call to the show and making his Major League debut.
Ukraine releases video of Russia drone dismantling – and here's what they found
Ukraine's Defense Ministry has released a video purportedly showing that a Russian military surveillance drone isn’t as high-tech as it seems, with features like a taped-on Canon DSLR camera and a fuel tank sealed with a plastic water bottle cap.
MINNEAPOLIS -- In a clubhouse of players and staff scrambling to get from one city to the next, Scott Servais jolted to one reliever’s locker amid the bustle and handed him the night’s scorecard, signed in congratulations.
The recipient was an emotionalSergio Romowho, in the Mariners’ 4-0 lossto the Twins on Monday, had just achieved a personal milestone only 52 others in baseball history have accomplished.
Romo had just pitched in his 800th career game, striking out two -- including Carlos Correa -- while giving up one hit in a scoreless sixth inning. He also punched out Miguel Sanó and forced speedster Byron Buxton into a forceout, essentially halting two of the Twins’
elite run producers and another slugger with top-end power.
“It means a lot that I can still compete at this level,” Romo said. “Here I am still chucking it, slinging it with the best, and it's gratifying. I don't really know how to pat myself on the back, but it definitely feels good."
His arm padded with ice, tears slowly forming and his voice beginning to crack, the introspective 39-year-old was reflective about a stretch that began all the way back on June 26, 2008, with the Giants. Three weeks ago, Romo was in line to pitch for Acereros de
Monclova in the Mexican League before the Mariners called, needing to fill a void left by a season-ending injury to pivot reliever Casey Sadler.
When he signed, Romo brought an ecstatic energyto a young clubhouse he was eager to lead. Yet at this stage in his career, he’s candidly thinking about individual milestones, too.
“That’s part of the reason why I wanted to play and give it a go,” Romo said. “At least for the grander part of my career, I’ve been unselfish and been more team-oriented. Being able to knock some of these out though, it means a lot, just getting an opportunity to
do so. I walked up to Servais and I told him, ‘I haven’t said ‘thank you’ too many times,' but I did tell him ‘thank you’ for this one.’”
Congratulations to@SergioRomo54on his 800th career appearance!
The first came in the form of 39-year-old Sergio Romo, who tonight made his 800th MLB appearance. Romo has always gotten by more on wile than power: he’s never averaged 90 MPH on his fastball since debuting in 2008. These days, the fastball sits around 85
MPH, and he mixes it up with a slider and (more rarely) a changeup. Here’s Correa trying to deal with the slider.
Romo is a guy who knows how to use the tools he has, and he’s a lot of fun to watch.
Tonight, he showed why. Going between his 85 MPH slider and that vaunted fastball, he simply overwhelmed Gary Sánchez, Miguel Sanó, and Alex Kirilloff. He got Sánchez and Sanó chasing sliders, while he simply blew this one by Kirilloff.
The Mariners will probably once again need an elite bullpen if they’re going to compete this year, as they again appear to be a team that will be winning by the slimmest of margins. For the bullpen to be elite, we’ll need to see more of this from Romo and Muñoz.
Said Servais: “That's unbelievable the career he's had, and it's a number that means a lot to him. He’s just got a way of getting through innings, understanding who he is and then how to attack hitters and another guy, very short Spring Training, came in late with
us but it looks good. And I think he's going to help us quite a bit.”
On a night where the Mariners mustered just two hits and went quietly, Romo was worth recognition. Jesse Winker hugged him and Marco Gonzales patted him on his back, and other players gave their congrats, too, despite bustling to get out of town for a matinee
in Chicago on Wednesday.
Romo, who also pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning in Saturday’s win, is the only pitcher in MLB history with at least 100 career saves and 200 holds. He is second among active leaders in appearances behind only Joe Smith, who coincidentally made his 834th outing in
Monday’s game for the Twins, helping them collectively limit the Mariners to just two hits.
Romo, whose home was Target Field from 2019-20, won three World Series titles with the Giants. There’s not much left to prove, but he has the backing of his biggest supporter, his 10-year-old son, Rex, who encouraged Romo to keep his MLB dream alive.
“He's the one who’s like, ‘No, Dad, you still strike hitters out. Keep going,’” Romo said. “I'm like, ‘OK, let's try.’ He's a big reason why I'm here also still.”
Not including the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Romo has pitched in at least 55 games per season dating back to ‘17, the last time he was on the injured list. He’ll keep going as long as he has a gig.
“I’ve got to still be producing and show that I get hitters out to get to that number,” Romo said. “But here we are at 800. The next one is 801. Today, it's pretty awesome.”
Julio Rodríguez, FBI (Federal Baseball Inspector)
"I think Mitch Haniger just reminded everybody right out the gate that when he is right, he is the All-Star." - @BrockHuard#Mariners
sports.mynorthwest.com
Mariners' Mitch Haniger sends important reminder with powerful start
Mitch Haniger hit 39 homers and drove in 100 runs for the 90-wins Mariners last season, and he's picked right up where he left off.
The Jerusalem Post
Saudi TV mocks US government, comedy skit goes semi-viral
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF -
A clip from Saudi Arabian television show Studio 22 began circulating on Twitter on Tuesday morning depicting US President Joe Biden as old and incapable. The minute-long clip pokes fun at US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Studio 22 is a comedy show aired by theMiddle East Broadcasting Center(MBC), also available to viewers on the streaming platform, Shahid.
In addition, both groups positively and negatively compared it toSaturday Night Live. And of course, there were those who unequivocally liked it, echoing the sentiments expressed in the clip itself.
The fact that this clip reached American and other English-speaking audiences are remarkable in itself. The jokes are nothing new to those familiar with the current administration, but the delivery method and source sparked thousands of tweets in a rare instance of
Saudi media making it to the American public.
Here’s Freddie Mercury in a Seattle Seahawks jacket because that’s what I do.
On a darker note: Ted Bundy wearing some Seattle Mariners gear.
𝙲𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚛
Fleeing Russian forces have been mocked by Ukraine over video footage that shows them scrambling to abandon an under-fire position in southwest Ukraine. Ukrainian troops filmed the missile strike and the Russian's rapid retreat on foot and diving for cover as
more missiles struck on Monday. The 59th Motorised Infantry Brigade - a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces - said on the morning of 11th April: "Good morning, Ukraine!
Ukraine’s president speaks with Scott Pelley about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and recently uncovered alleged war crimes in Kyiv suburb of Bucha.
Russian tank 'destroyed by Ukraine's Azov regiment' in Mariupol outskirts
This is the moment Ukrainian soldiers from the fearsome Azov Regiment blow up a Russian armoured vehicle in a field. The troops are reported to have carried out the strike on the outskirts of the south-eastern Ukrainian coastal city of Mariupol. In the video,
Ukrainian soldiers are seen tracking an enemy armoured vehicle as it rolls across a field. With a single strike, the vehicle is apparently blown up and a large plume of dark smoke fills the air. The footage was shared by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday with the
message: "Azov in Mariupol continues to destroy the enemy." The regiment has gained a fearsome reputation for wiping out Russian armour. According to Ukrainian reports, the Azov Regiment destroyed two other Russian tanks on 7th April.
There’s still time, but Seattle Seahawks fans should start getting used to the idea that Drew Lock may really be their QB1 to begin the 2022 season.
Now less than three weeks from the NFL draft, Seattle’s options at the league’s most-important position are few. At this point there areonly three free agents(Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, Geno Smith), two potential trade targets (Baker Mayfield, Gardner
Minshew)and one QB prospect (Malik Willis) worth considering over Lock and if the games were to begin today it would most likely be No. 2 taking snaps from projected starting center Austin Blythe.
Let’s see what we can learn by watching Lock’s body of work with the Denver Broncos. Here are his highlights and stats from all three years in Denver (click the screengrabs to watch on Youtube).
Georgia Declares State Of Emergency, Tornadoes Rip Through South
Georgia’s governor declared a state of emergency as an already storm-weary South continues to get battered by severe storms and tornadoes. NBC’s Sam Brock reports from Decatur, Georgia on the dangerous conditions
while TODAY’s Al Roker has the latest forecast details.
Deadly tornado outbreak hits Southeast l GMA
Sam Champion reports on the latest severe weather outbreak, where 41 tornadoes were reported in five states in the past two days.
CNN
Pink Floyd to release single 'Hey Hey Rise Up' in support of Ukraine
Pink Floyd to release first new album in 20 years
CNN — Breeanna Hare
After what may have felt like an endless wait, Pink Floyd will deliver a new album this fall.
The record, called “The Endless River,” will be the British band’s first new release in 20 years.
Fans were tipped off to its arrival on Saturday when Polly Samson, the wife of singer/guitarist David Gilmour, shared the news on Twitter. “Btw Pink Floyd album out in October,” Samson tweeted. “Based on 1994 sessions is Rick Wright’s swansong and very beautiful.”
Keyboardist Rick Wright, who was one of Pink Floyd’s founding members,died of cancer in 2008.
“The Endless River” will arrive on the heels of the 20th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “The Division Bell,” an occasion marked with a deluxe reissue June 30. According to a statement from the band, the upcoming album has its roots in that 1994 disc.
”(‘Endless River’) is an album of mainly ambient and instrumental music based on the 1993/4 ‘Division Bell’ sessions,”Pink Floyd said in a statement. “The album is produced by David Gilmour with Phil Manzanera, Youth and recording engineer Andy Jackson. Work is
still in progress, but more details to come at the end of the summer.”
Although “Endless River” has a connection to the past, singer Durga McBroom-Hudson (who’s toured with the band and offers her vocals on the new album) sharedon her Facebook pagethat it will consist of “all unreleased songs.”
'Ukrainian soldiers dodge Russian bombs as they run through Donetsk trenches'
Aerial video reportedly shows Ukrainian soldiers dodging a Russian bombardment as they run through trenches in the Donetsk Oblast.
USA TODAY
Graphic photos from Bucha, Ukraine show civilians dead in the street after Russia withdraws
Heartbreaking images of children and families struggling to flee Taliban in Afghanistan
Warning: This gallery contains graphic images
Photos in Gallery Bodies lie on a street in Bucha, Ukraine , northwest of Kyiv, as Ukraine says Russian forces are making a "rapid retreat" from northern areas around Kyiv and the city of Chernigiv, on April 2, 2022.
Photos in Gallery EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / CAPTION ADDITION - A man walks past a body of civilian in the town of Bucha, not far from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on April 3, 2022. Britain, France, Germany, the US and NATO all voiced horror at
Ukrainian reports on April 2, 2022, of nearly 300 bodies lying in the street in Bucha, with some appearing to have been bound by their hands and feet before being shot. - The Kremlin on April 4, 2022 rejected accusations that Russian forces were responsible for
killing civilians near Kyiv. "We categorically reject all allegations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)
discuss the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, more than a month into the Russian invasion. Griffiths said that investigators would probe civilian deaths uncovered after Russian troops withdrew. Evidence of civilian killings in Bucha and other towns around Kyiv which
Ukraine has blamed on Russian troops, allegations denied by Moscow have shocked the world and triggered calls for new sanctions on Moscow. Russia's President has denied any responsibility for civilian deaths, accusing Ukrainian authorities of "crude and cynical
provocations" in Bucha.
Photos in Gallery Policemen work to identify civilians who were killed during the Russian occupation in Bucha, Ukraine, on the outskirts of Kyiv, before sending the bodies to the morgue, Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Mitch Haniger belted his second homer of the season, a 385-foot three-run shot to left field.
Mitch Haniger smokes the ball to left field for a homer, scoring Luis Torrens and Adam Frazier and cutting the Mariners' deficit to 6-4 in the top of the 3rd inning
Flexen to close series
Right-hander Chris Flexen draws the start as Seattle wraps its first series of '22 on Monday.
the series finale tomorrow at 4:40 p.m.
"Get'em Tomorrow!"
UP NEXT
Tuesday April 12
6:00 PM PT
SEA vs CAL
Saturday April 9
FINAL
CAL 4 vs 1 SEA
Final Buzzer: Flames Hit Dimmer Switch
Check out tonight's @WaFdBank Signature Save of the Game! - Philipp Grubauer
Thursday April 14
FINAL
SEA 5 vs 1 CWS
Kelenic crushes 1st HR of '22
Jarred Kelenic got the Mariners on the board in the second inning with a 114.0 mph two-run homer.
Jarred Kelenic is ready for his 'ability to do the talking'
WAUKESHA, Wis. -- The lab sits off Les Paul Parkway in suburban Milwaukee, tucked away behind an expanse of oak and Norway maple trees and attached to the eight amateur baseball fields that were constructed just a decade ago.
The façade is tan and the roof, red. There are just 10 windows on this 50,000-square-foot structure, giving it the look of an amped-up trailer home. But its functionality is far grander than that.
The interior houses an 80-yard turf football field where, on this afternoon, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt is training. To his right is the full-fledged weight room way larger than the one at T-Mobile Park, where local high schoolers are using the
16 power-lifting stations. In the back, there’s an NBA-sized basketball court that sits empty, waiting for its next practice.
Upstairs, there are seven batting cages where a handful of teens are practicing for an upcoming summer league game. Next to them is a golf tunnel tailor-made for simulations among area college athletes impacted by winter weather extending into spring.
One would be hard-pressed to find a locale with a cast of athletes this eclectic. NX Level Sports is a full-fledged facility, welcome to all. It smells like a high-school locker room and looks like the Olympic Training Center. It’s an athlete’s lab, the one where Jarred
Kelenic -- a baseball cyborg in so many ways -- was built. When he’s here, the Mariners’ 22-year-old outfielder is home.
***
On this mid-week afternoon in the NFL offseason, J.J. Watt, one of football's all-time greats, trains at NX's vast facility. Watt also hails from Wisconsin and has worked out with Kelenic when their offseasons overlap. | Art or Photo Credit: Daniel Kramer, MLB.com
In a one-on-one interview late last season, Kelenic halts briefly for some self-deprecation. He’s outlining his offseason plans then laughs at himself when sharing that he stills lives with his parents when he’s not with the Mariners.
“It’ll probably be the last time,” he says through a sheepish grin.
Sure, a big lure back is NX Level right up the road and the comfort of training in an environment he’s always known. But Kelenic at his essence is a homebody who puts family above all. He spent the entire quarantine period during the early days of the pandemic
here with his sister, Taylor, and brother, JT, along with his mother, Lisa, and father, Tom. The world was unraveling outside, but at least they had each other -- just like old times.
Old times also meant fierce and unapologetic competition. Fans see that side of Kelenic every time they watch the Mariners -- a hustle double, a diving catch, even the jubilation of drawing a critical walk, an act that can seem mundane. All of that was birthed here at
Casa de Kelenic, dating back to his borderline diaper days. Basketball in the driveway, soccer in the backyard, and heck, even games that he’d literally make up on the fly; they’re all played with the same intensity.
“It could be throwing horseshoes, where he's not competing for anything,” Lisa said. “But it's just in that moment, he can get very clear what he needs to achieve and get after it.”
Following Kelenic's big league debut last May, he shares emotional embraces with his parents, Tom and Lisa. | Art or Photo Credit: Ben Van Houten
If competitiveness is Kelenic’s yin, goal setting is his yang. The ambition of becoming a big leaguer is what got him out of bed every morning as a kid, and he’s aspired to that goal since before he or his parents can even recall.
“It was so young,” Kelenic said. “I don't even think I can remember how young I was.”
Lisa says it was some time before Kelenic was 5 years old, because that’s when he was raking his way through a T-ball league when a mother of a child on the other team requested to see Kelenic’s birth certificate. Lisa turned the woman down, perhaps with a little
sass, citing that she wasn’t stacking a team that young. And by that point, Kelenic’s career, in the youngest form, was off and running.
Tom tells a story from that same year, when Kelenic, who is left-handed, insisted on playing shortstop, a position that lefties don’t play. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Kelenic snagged a line drive with both runners advancing, sprinted to second
for the second out, then hurled to first to complete a triple play. Again, Kelenic was just 5 years old.
“The majority of the people in the park, much less the kids, had no idea what the hell just happened,” Tom said. “But he knew. He wanted to be in that position. He could just process things so fast.”
***
Jarred Kelenic and his family following his big league debut. | Art or Photo Credit: Ben Van Houten, Mariners
Tom’s working background began in remodeling and consulting but shifted to construction and management in 2009, well before Kelenic began high school. Shortly after, Kelenic began playing travel ball and his older sister was an area soccer standout, which led to
the family being on the road regularly. It was fun but exhausting.
The Kelenics would cover miles that began with after-school pickups but ended on I-94’s late-night expanse, searching for food and energy. They did this to accommodate their children’s athletic ambitions, and it was always worth it, but to what end? After a few
meetups with other parents, it became clear that there was a need for a stronger athletic infrastructure in Waukesha, especially baseball, where the climate only permitted outdoor competition during peak summer.
So, Tom got to thinking. There was a social demand for facilities that could specifically cater to Waukesha’s growing population of youth baseball players and their families, as well as an economic opportunity to fulfill that need, one that the Kelenics were directly
impacted by due to the growing costs and fatigue of extended travel ball. There wasn’t exactly an “aha!” moment, but at some point in 2012, Tom decided to construct a five-field facility and create formal amateur baseball and softball leagues for the area, which
manifested through his new company, 5 Diamonds, Inc.
“The only thing that we really didn't do was the asphalt and the fence,” Tom said. “I mean, we built a concession stand. We were out there from sun-up to sun-down for a whole summer. And then went right into playing.”
Kelenic, who was 13 years old at the time, and his sister, Taylor, didn’t just play there once it was constructed -- they also had a typical teenage job, working the concessions, restocking inventory, grooming the fields and just about anything else to keep the gears
churning as their family’s business was getting off the ground.
“It was just really, really hard to start that kind of business, a seasonal business, and have the infrastructure that we had to spend to build it,” Tom said. “It wasn't like you could hire people and just start paying them. It was hard on everybody.”
Nearly a decade later, 5 Diamonds is one of the most prominent youth leagues in the area, one that Brewers manager Craig Counsell’s youngest son is a product of. Tom coached him a few years back.
Since the company’s inception, Tom’s company built Five Diamonds in 2010, NX in ‘16 and STiKS Academy in ’17, the site where Kelenic skeet-shot a frisbee off a tee in a social media post that went borderline viral when he was still a top prospect. Kelenic continues
to train there, daily, in the offseason.
A big league ballpark is the venue Kelenic always chased, but it was these suburban facilities that helped get him there.
“I've always said that my parents, they paved the way for me,” Kelenic said. “And it was my job to just walk that road, and that's something that I've always told them how much I appreciate [them]. I always made sure that when they would pay for me to go on
playing these tournaments across the country, when they would pay for the hotel rooms, I always felt that it was my job to best prepare myself to perform in order to get the ultimate goal out of it.”
Tom and Lisa didn’t construct these facilities explicitly to usher in their children to professional careers in sports. Sure, that’d be a nice byproduct, but it was never the intent or expectation.
“I just think if you look at all the things that we built here,” Lisa said, “it really just kind of mirrors our philosophy that we have for our kids. ‘Let's give them as many options as we can for them to perform and find their passion for what they enjoy.’ … I think
ultimately, it still comes down to that core belief that people are just driven to want to perform up to their potential. If you give them that opportunity, they'll do that. I just think that’s a good reflection of Jarred and what his childhood was like.”
***
By seventh grade, Kelenic was already dreaming of the big leagues, and as such, had a head start to tailor a specific path to get there.
In Wisconsin, high school baseball is played in spring or summer, and Kelenic’s district was the latter, which meant he’d have to play for his team in May and June, then the state tournament in July, which would eliminate his chance to play travel ball. So, he decided
to exclusively focus on travel ball, which led to more exposure and tougher competition.
In 2016, he committed to the University of Louisville and was all in on chasing the College World Series. In the interim, Kelenic played in showcase events and for two Team USA teams that won gold medals internationally, including the 2016 Pan American Games in
Mexico, where he was also named the tournament’s MVP.
That’s when the Majors, in his parents’ eyes, seemed incredibly real.
Kelenic keenly followed the Draft prospect rankings from MLB Pipeline, Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report, and he always felt that geography was out to get him. Wisconsin, after all, was not an amateur baseball hotbed, and as such, it didn’t regularly lure
scouts. So, when he’d check in the Top 100 but not, say, the Top 25 (or higher), Lisa said that for Kelenic, “that wasn’t good enough for him.”
So, Kelenic took his Draft profile into his own hands. He compiled an Excel spreadsheet mapping out his entire travel ball schedule -- venues, game times, weather, distance needed to get there, the level of competition, etc. He proactively pitched himself to any
scout who gave him their phone number.
“He communicated with them,” Lisa said, “letting them know, ‘Here's what I'm playing.’ If there was going to be a rain delay or if there was rain in the forecast, he said that. Knowing ahead of time, just, ‘Hey, I’m giving you a heads up. There's rain in the forecast,
I'll keep you posted.’”
That relentless drive led him to more exposure and opportunities. He graduated early in December 2017 to pour all of his efforts into preparing for the ’18 Draft the following June, opting to forego the opportunity at Louisville. By then, he was touted as the best
pure-hitting high-school bat in that year’s Draft class. The Mets took him No. 6 overall, the highest high-school pick that year, and the highest selection ever from Wisconsin.
But the goal was far from achieved.
***
In the summer after his junior year, Kelenic participated in the High School Home Run Derby held in conjunction with the 2017 All-Star Game at Marlins Park in Miami.
The story of what happened next is mostly mainstream, especially to Mariners and Mets fans. That December, New York had hired an ambitious agent Brodie Van Wagenen to be their GM and he wanted to make an immediate splash. Seattle was looking to trim its
aging and expensive roster. So, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto shipped Robinson Canó and the remainder of his $240 million contract, along with All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, in exchange for five low-cost players. But the prized return was Kelenic, a top-end prospect with
flair, confidence and charisma that Dipoto could build his bleak farm system around and sell a rebuild to his fanbase.
In many ways, the acquisition of Kelenic -- but just as much, getting out from under Canó’s contract -- sparked Seattle’s rebuild. With that came enormous hype, but also expectation.
playing hypothetical GM, mapping out the Mariners’ roster moves and needs that would necessitate his callup. But it never manifested, and he wasn’t shy about his frustration with it, posting passive-aggressive social media commentary suggesting he deserved the
opportunity.
For those who followed closely, it looked like Kelenic was toeing the line between confident and cocky, and by Spring Training, things had come to a head. Former Mariners president and CEO Kevin Mather made comments about Kelenic’s timeline to the Majors and a
contract extension that the club offered but Kelenic turned down. That left Kelenic incredibly -- and publicly -- frustrated, and it made his situation one of the most prominent storylines in baseball during Spring Training.
When he didn’t break camp with the big league team, Kelenic was more reserved but still frustrated. His time would come six weeks later, in mid-May, and he announced his arrival emphatically by homering for his first career hit with Tom, Lisa and other extended
family in attendance.
But Kelenic didn’t sustain that epic showing. He went 5-for-75 with only one extra-base hit in 21 games after that homer and was sent back to the Minors, an experience that turned his tone into a drastically more humble one.
***
Kelenic headlined Waukesha's local newspaper after his big debut in Seattle last year. A hardcopy hangs behind an enclosed bulletin board at 5 Diamonds. | Art or Photo Credit: Daniel Kramer, MLB.com
The most fascinating -- and unknown -- component to Kelenic when he was called up was how he would greet adversity, an emotional attribute that he’d never met directly. It didn’t just come knocking, but it burst through his door and rudely slapped him in the
face. He’ll be the first to tell you as much, and he’ll do so humbly.
He’s also met it here early in 2022, with nine strikeouts in his first 15 at-bats. But he broke out of it in a big way against the White Sox on Thursday, crushing a 114-mph homer that lifted a big weight off his shoulders -- and was perhaps a sign of things to come.
Scouting reports and prospect rankings only go so far, and Kelenic reads them all, and thoroughly. He was convinced that he’d make an immediate impact in the Majors, but moreover, he was determined to do so in spite of so many external factors. Kelenic would
not have said it at the time of his debut, but season-ending retrospection allowed him the platform for humility, clarity -- and closure.
I'm at a point where I try not to take it so seriously because, like, I've taken it so seriously my entire life that it just got exhausting. And so now, it’s like, let my ability do the talking. I'm just here for the ride. ... I mean, that's what it's all about, right?
Jarred Kelenic
“I’d be lying to you if I didn't tell you that stuff, whether you believe it or not, like, that wears on people, right? I'm human, too. I have feelings. And I think that, especially coming up when I first got called up, a lot of what people saw out here,” Kelenic says as he
gestures to a completely empty ballpark, “was what was weighing on in here,” he adds, motioning both hands to his chest.
“I’m a firm believer that if you have problems off the field, at some point, you're going to have problems on the field. And that was, I think, a direct reflection of what was out here. But the best part about the whole [Mather] situation is that now it's ... we're past it.
We've all turned the page and we're so focused on winning and bringing a title to Seattle, that's such a distant memory.
“At the end of the day, man, there's nothing I could have done. It was completely out of my control. But I’ll always look back, and know that is going to make me better.”
***
When things went bad for Kelenic last year, they snowballed. He struck out 28.1% of the time and hit .181, performing well below his own expectations.
After a long winter that felt even longer due to the lockout, Kelenic arrived at Spring Training in a more positive and outgoing headspace -- vastly different than the one marred by vexation, expectations and pressure one year ago. It was noticeable to everyone.
“Quite a bit,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “You’re just watching how he’s interacting with his teammates.”
Kelenic’s big offseason changes were almost symbolically symbiotic to each other. One was a mental reset in the confines of home. The other was to his swing -- not a complete mechanical overhaul, but more of a cognitive one, birthed through extensive work with
Mark McGwire, all virtual, thanks to an introduction through his new agency, the Wasserman Group.
Rather than twist his bat tighter, load up heavier and swing harder, Kelenic is swinging like, in his metaphor, a golfer. Instead of using a pitching wedge at 100% effort if he’s 150 yards out, opting for a nine-iron at 85%, it’s going to get there cleaner because he
trusts in his strength.
“I don't need to swing at 110%,” Kelenic said. “It’s just more me getting comfortable in the box and feeling like I’m swinging 85% and letting my ability take over.”
It wasn’t just his swing that was going full throttle in his trying rookie season -- it was everything.
“I went through a lot last year, and it's really made me a lot tougher now,” Kelenic said. “And I really wouldn't change anything. But I would say now, I'm at a point where I try not to take it so seriously because, like, I've taken it so seriously my entire life that it just
got exhausting. And so now, it’s like, let my ability do the talking. I'm just here for the ride. Just have fun with the guys, get to know people. I mean, that's what it's all about, right?”
And how about that adversity, the great unknown from a year ago that he has now met, and that he’ll certainly face again throughout his career? Is he better equipped to handle it after everything he learned a year ago?
“For sure,” Kelenic said. “And I think that if you don't take it so seriously, you're not so hard on yourself that you know when adversity hits, trusting yourself to know that you can get through it.”
WEST
W L % GB
90 72 .556 5.0
Saturday April 9
FINAL
SEA 4 vs 3 MIN
Rodríguez's 1st hit jolts Mariners awake, sparks rally
"No panic in this team"
Hitless in his first 7 at-bats, Julio Rodríguez refused to give up, drilling a double in the 9th to ignite a rally.
JULIO RODRÍGUEZ'S FIRST CAREER HIT!! (A double with his family in the stands!)
Julio Rodríguez's Family Celebrates His First Major League Hit
After traveling from the Dominican Republic to be at Julio Rodriguez's first series in the big leagues, J-Rod's family celebrates the first Major League hit of his career, a clutch double in the top of the ninth to spark an eventual game-winning rally.
MINNEAPOLIS --Julio Rodríguezjokingly told manager Scott Servais early Saturday morning that he was so overwhelmed with the emotions of his Major League debut the previous day that he felt like he was in a movie and that he didn’t “wake up” until the seventh
inning.
Julio Rodríguez collects his first career hit with a double into the gap against the Minnesota Twins.
Julio Rodríguez Collects His First MLB Career Hit!!
"Ken Griffey Jr."
Hours later, after three called strikeouts -- and as the frustration of possibly going 0-fer through his first two games was beginning to mount -- the club'sNo. 1 prospecttruly awoke in the ninth inning of the Mariners’4-3 winat Target Field.
Seattle’s 21-year-old center fielder led off the final frame by roping a middle-middle fastball from Minnesota reliever Tyler Duffey into the left-center gap and surging into second base standing, his helmet whirling off. Rodríguez pumped his chest, facing the dugout,
and pointed to his family in the stands before he zeroed back in -- there was a ballgame to win.
Adam Frazier
After leading late, the Mariners fell behind by one run and were headed to what was looking like a deflating defeat. Yet after Rodríguez’s knock, J.P. Crawford advanced the rookie to third base and set up new leadoff man Adam Frazier -- also hitless and frustrated --
for a two-out double that plated Rodríguez as the game-tying run. Ty France immediately followed by dispensing an off-the-plate breaking ball into right field to score Frazier for the lead.
All of a sudden, the Mariners were on their way to a victory.
“Just trying to be able to get something going for the team, and score that run, too, it was really important to me,” Rodríguez said. “I know the double was pretty cool, but that run definitely mattered the most to me. ... You can do whatever you want on the field,
but if you don't help your team win, I feel like it's pointless. That's the way I view it.”
Seattle spoiled what was shaping up to be a big win for the Twins, who had dramatically taken the lead in the eighth on a go-ahead 436-foot homer from Byron Buxton that reached the third deck.
Buxton had taken reliever Andrés Muñoz deep on the first pitch, a 101-mph fastball at the top of the zone, to which Mariners catcher Tom Murphy said: “I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't believe it. Like, I was looking for a popup for half a second before I saw the
trajectory of the ball, and it's just insane that somebody can do that to a baseball.”
normalize chaos ball
But that homer was seemingly little worry for a club that led the Majors with 33 wins in one-run games last season and now have two such victories to begin 2022. And, for trivia's sake, the game marked just the second time in franchise history that the Mariners
won each of their first two games by one run, the other instance being 1996 against the White Sox.
“There's no panic with this team,” France said. “One through nine, we can get it done. We trust each and every guy, whoever is stepping up to the plate. Julio -- he hasn't had a hit yet, it’s the ninth inning [and] he just goes out and does it. Anyone in this lineup can
get it done.”
"Tom Murphy"
"Ty France"
Mariners rally in the 9th inning
Mariners Rally for the Win
Watch the full top of the 9th inning as the Mariners rally from behind to take game two of the series against the Twins.
Batting seventh, Rodríguez provided a much-needed jolt from the lower half of the lineup, a contribution that Seattle often didn’t have in 2021. On Saturday, the Nos. 7-9 hitters -- including Murphy with a 423-foot opposite-field homer in the nine-hole -- accounted
for five of the club’s nine hits. Last year those spots provided just a .203/.284/.352 (.636 OPS) slash line worth of production, which was in part why the Mariners acquired former All-Stars Frazier, Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez to add more consistency.
Tom Murphy just crushed his first homer of the year off the upper-deck façade in right-center field. Some serious opposite-field power on that one. Exit velo: 109.7 mph Launch angle: 26° Distance: 423 ft.
“That was kind of our vision coming into the season, that the upper half doesn't have to always do it,” Murphy said. “It just creates that depth that, hopefully, one through nine is gonna be able to contribute.”
Tom Murphy's 423-foot home run
Circling back to Rodríguez’s joke with Servais -- there was credence to the humor.
The rookie looked mostly overwhelmed in his first 24-plus hours in The Show, with nothing even close to show for his first seven at-bats. He was baffled by Twins rookie Johan Duran’s elite stuff on Friday (as were the rest of the Mariners), and then he was a victim
of perhaps a wider strike zone in his early at-bats Saturday. He also battled windy conditions while still looking eager in center field.
“It's been a struggle for him so far,” Servais said. “I think he's seen more breaking balls, and certainly quality breaking balls. He's never seen that stuff before, and that's what he's going to get, and he’s going to continue to get it until he lays off and makes some
adjustments -- and he will. But again, in that [ninth-inning] moment, you're not worried about your first hit. You worry about getting on base, and all of a sudden big things happen when you focus on little things.”
As for the keepsake of his first big league hit, Rodríguez said he plans to send the ball home with his parents, who made the trek to Minnesota from the Dominican Republic.
MINNEAPOLIS --Robbie Raywanted to “set the tone” with his first career Opening Day start, treating it as more of a lead-by-example barometer to his new teammates than an individual benchmark of success.
He talked all spring about becoming a leader, pitching deep into games and laying the foundation for the rest of Seattle’s pitching staff. And on Friday afternoon, he put those words into action while looking as advertised as the reigning American League Cy Young
Award winner.
The Mariners locked down their first win of the 2022 season with a 2-1 win behind Robbie Ray's strong seven innings and Mitch Haniger's two-run blast.
Robbie Ray shines in his Mariners debut
Mitch Haniger's two-run blast.
Seattle’s prized offseason acquisition became the Majors’ first pitcher to complete at least seven innings in a start, getting that deep on 96 pitches while leading the Mariners to a tense,2-1 winover the Twins at Target Field. The league’s strikeout leader a year ago
had five in the opener, and he gave up just three hits. Most of his baserunners came via four walks, a vexation, and the only run was via a solo homer from Gio Urshela on one of only three curveballs he threw, another frustration.
But those few labors underscored Ray’s ability to overcome midgame challenges, one of the many reasons Seattle signed him toa five-year, $115 million contractin December.
Robbie Ray
1.At 87 pitches after six innings, Ray lobbied Mariners manager Scott Servais for one more frame. After some consultation with pitching coach Pete Woodworth, Ray was granted the chance -- but on a strict three-batter threshold. Ray proceeded to retire the side.
“I don't know a starting pitcher that wants to come out of the game,” Ray said. “I'm definitely one of those guys that's going to just keep pushing, keep pushing, and build that trust with my manager.”
Said Servais: “I think he and I are going to have quite a few conversations towards the end of games as [the season] goes along, and I look forward to it.”
2.In both the third and fifth innings, Ray faced a one-out jam with runners on first and second and the lineup turning over to Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. He escaped the first by retiring Buxton on seven pitches, capped by a 92 mph fastball jammed near his
hands, and igniting a 1-4-3 double play to Correa, a longtime Mariners nemesis from his Houston days. Then in the fifth, he again punched out Buxton and got Correa to line out. Damage averted.
“I think just being in that position before, just understanding that guys are on and I’m one pitch away or a strikeout and a popup away,” Ray said. “I think just understanding and trying to make the situation too big.”
3.In the first inning, Ray worked around a single to Correa and finished with a mere eight pitches, all strikes. For the day, he threw 63 strikes, 65.6% of his pitches, just shy of the 66% he posted last year, when he ranked near the top of the league. The Mariners’
mantra has long been “dominate the zone.”
“He owns the inner half, inner third of the plate,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He pitches in there really well, kind of gives you an alternative kind of view that you don’t see a lot from lefties.”
Drew Steckenrider closes out win
Another one-run win
Ray may be the shiny new addition, but he actually meshed right in with Seattle’s bullpen-driven formula. No team in the Majors won more one-run games than the Mariners’ 33 last year, which was a big contributor to them overcoming a minus-51 run differential to
90 wins.
Paul SewaldandDrew Steckenridertook it to the finish line, with Sewald pitching the eighth because of matchups against the top of the order, and Steckenrider closing the door -- albeit with a scare of a flyout to the warning track by Gary Sánchez that ended the game.
“As soon as we got into that one-run ballgame, I go, ‘We’re probably going to win just because of how last year went,’” right fielderMitch Hanigersaid. “It was just a lot of confidence.”
Mitch Haniger discusses 2-1 win
Haniger’s power in midseason formThe veteran outfielder picked up right where he left off in his epic final weekendlast season, crushing his second pitch of the season for a booming, 411-foot, two-run homer that, as it turned out, carried far more weight to the
game’s outcome than it initially appeared.
Haniger was one of just six players last year to hit at least 39 homers and collect 100 RBIs. The others? AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, AL MVP finalists Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Marcus Semien, and All-Stars Matt Olson and Salvador Perez.
Mitch Haniger's two-run home run
Haniger wasn’t happy with his 6-for-32 (.188) showing in Spring Training, but he feels like Friday was a validation that he’s steering back on track.
“I think numbers-wise, how I felt, too,” Haniger said of his spring woes. “But I have a really good idea of what I need to do now, especially with my swing. ... Everything's been feeling really good the last couple days.”
New Broncos’ QB Russell Wilson throws out the first pitch at Rockies’ Opening Day @brgridiron
catch me imitating @dangerusswilson this szn, absolutely bodying wings and watching the @dodgers
Mariners Baseball: The Energy is Coming
The thrill is coming. Mariners baseball is back beginning on April 7 at Minnesota, and the squad makes their 2022 debut in front of the home crowd on April 15 at T-Mobile Park.
Thusday April 7
FINAL
SEA 2 vs 0 CHI
Final Buzzer: Kraken Shut Out Chicago
Alex Wennberg scores highlight-reel goal, Jordan Eberle adds a late score, Seattle rides Philipp Grubauer's 29-save performance to victory on second night of back-to-back games
How is Jarred Kelenic approaching his second year with the #Mariners differently? He sat down with @shannondrayer
and shared the valuable lessons from his rookie struggles, what he learned from both Mark McGwire and his mom this offseason, and much more.
Fansided
Latest DK Metcalf trade offer from Jets is a painful reminder for Seahawks fans
by Aryanna Prasad -
The New York Jets sent a not-so-casual reminder with their DK Metcalf offer than the Seahawks could have had more had they not traded for Jamal Adams.
Although DK Metcalf has made it clear thathe hasn't heard anything about a tradeout of Seattle, that hasn't deterred teams around the league from asking about him.
The New York Jets joined the fray, offering the Seahawks a No. 10 pick for Metcalf. The Seahawks declined, proving there are limits to their 2022 rebuild, but it's hard to imagine that this offer from the Jets wasn't sent over with a twinge of irony.
That No. 10 pick was originally the Seahawks' pick, but they traded that pick, a first-round and third-round pick last year, and Bradley McDougald for Jamal Adams.
At the time, Adams was a versatile strong safety who had an impressive career with the Jets, which garnered the attention of Seattle. While Seattle sought to bolster their defense when they traded for Adams in 2020, the Seahawks defense has had an arduous
battle against NFL offenses in the seasons since—and Adams in particular has struggled in his current role.
Meanwhile, the Jets are enjoying the benefits of running back Alijah Vera-Tucker while the Seahawks had to trade Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos just to getthe No. 9 pick—a pick above what they would have had if they didn't steal Adams from the Jets.
Wednesday April 6
FINAL
SEA 1 vs 4 STL
Big league debut of Julio Rodríguez will have to wait one more day.
The Mariners' 2022 opener against the Twins at Target Field was postponed until Friday at 1:10 p.m. PT due to Thursday’s forecasted inclement weather, including a possible rain-snow mix and cold temperatures.
J-Rod era begins in Seattle
It's official:Julio Rodríguezis ready to make waves in the big leagues. The Mariners' No. 1 prospectwill debutthis Friday at 1:10 p.m. PT in Minnesota.
Family of John Clayton
@JohnClaytonNFL
Heartfelt thanks! (PS: There is no son, Gerald.)
Julio Rodríguez Talks Getting The Call To The Show
Julio Rodríguez spoke with Dave Sims and Mike Blowers during the game against the Diamondbacks to talk about his reaction to finding out he made the big league roster.
Sky News
Russian armoured vehicles appear to have shot a cyclist in Bucha whilst the area was under Russian control in March. Over the weekend footage has emerged of a dead body by a bicycle in the same location the incident took place.
Ukraine War: Cyclist appears to be shot by Russian armoured vehicles in Bucha
"The Whole World is Watching"
Russian soldiers opened fire on a cyclist in Bucha, new video shows.
New video has emerged that adds to mounting evidence of atrocities carried out while Russia’s military occupied the suburban town of Bucha, northwest of Kyiv.
Ukrainian military footage verified byThe New York Timesshows Russian forces shooting at a civilian.
The video captures a scene from Bucha in early March when Russian forces occupied the suburb.
A later video reportedly captured a dead body in civilian clothing matching that of the cyclist.
#OTD in 2001, Ichiro made his debut... and the rest is history
Collin Gillespie was even better in the huddle than he was on that made three.
Tuesday April 5
FINAL
SEA 9 vs 12 CIN
Geno and Jarred go back-to-back
Cesar Izturis Jr. turns on the jets
@jrodshow44
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Opening Day is 48 hours away, but before we turn all attention to the matchup in Minnesota, let’s put one final bow on what was a really fun Spring Training.
Jarred Kelenic @jarredkelenic
Julio Rodríguez makes OD roster
Watch the moment Julio Rodriguez is informed by manager Scott Servais that he has made the Opening Day roster for the Mariners
The Denver Broncos made a big move this offseason, trading for former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. Part of the deal sent quarterback Drew Lock to the Seattle Seahawks in what will be a new start for the former second-round pick.
Lock has not done enough to this point in his career to be considered a trustworthy starting quarterback, boasting an 8-13 record as a starter in three seasons with the Broncos.
However, it seems that he has a believer in teammate Noah Fant, who was also a part of the trade for Wilson this offseason.
Fant told reporters on Tuesday that he believes Lock can become a franchise quarterback in the NFL if he reaches his full potential.
“Drew’s biggest attribute is his arm,” said Fant. “He’s made some insane throws in the time that we’ve played together. He has all the talent in the world… I think he has all the opportunity and all the talent in the world to get it done and be that franchise guy.”
Clayton Keller Undergoes Surgery; Out Rest Of Season
BY GAVIN LEE
"Want to thank my teammates, the fans, and medical personnel for the love and support last night! Unfortunately the season’s over for me, but I’m resting comfortably at the hospital in good spirits. I will be back better than ever for day 1 next
Wagner and the Rams agreed to a five-year, $50 million deal on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The veteran linebacker can earn up to $65 million with incentives.
While the exact contract details have not been released, that is a lot more money than Wagner was reportedly seeking. He was said to be looking for only a one-year deal.
Wagner was named an All-Pro for the eighth straight season last year. He had a career-high 170 total tackles with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s a huge pickup for the Rams after they lost Von Miller to the Buffalo Bills.
It's a beautiful day for a Spring Training triple @jarredkelenic
Cosmopolitan
Here's What Went Down Immediately After Will Smith and Chris Rock's Confrontation at the Oscars
Mariners Baseball: The Magic is Coming
The magic is coming. Mariners baseball is back beginning on April 7 at Minnesota, and the squad makes their 2022 debut in front of the home crowd on April 15 at T-Mobile Park.
Jerry Dipoto cheers on son Jonah ... against his own team!
Jonah Dipoto, son of Jerry Dipoto gets three outs in front of his dad
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Jerry Dipoto had to halt the interview. He couldn’t hold back the waterworks.
Moments prior, sitting in a booth atop the Peoria Sports Complex for a Royals-Mariners matinee, Seattle’s president of baseball operations watched his son,Jonah, pitch a perfect eighth inning for Kansas City. With his wife, Tamie, seated to his left, Jerry stood with
his trademark “scout” look -- right hand under left elbow, chin down, glasses on and biting his thumb -- but he looked far more anxious, and for good reason.
Jonah had battled through a broken olecranon bone in his pitching elbow, had worked tirelessly to recover and had leaped back onto the Royals’ radar during Minor League Spring Training. And here he was, finally, a 35th-round Draft pick, getting a taste of his dream
and pitching in a big league spring game for the first time -- all with his parents and his wife, Lauren, on hand
“I can’t even describe the emotions, honestly. It’s hard for me to put it into words right now,” Jonah said postgame, hardly able to contain a huge smile. “[It's] something that I’ve been thinking about for years and years, just being on the mound pitching for a Major
League team. And then to be able to do it here, in front of my family -- and especially my dad, while he’s in the stands and against his team -- that’s just awesome. Like I said, I can’t even describe it. It’s so exciting to be out here.”
Said Jerry, pausing to gather his emotions: “All day, we're watching down there to see if he’s getting up, to see if he’s stretching. Thrill of a lifetime, thrill of a lifetime. And I think he was pretty good. ... I'm really proud of him. It’s hard to imagine remaining
composed in that situation when you’re pitching against your dad's team.”
Jonah traveled with the Royals to Mesa on Sunday and thought his spring debut would come then. The Dipotos drove down from Peoria, but Jonah didn’t get in the game. So, when Jonah found out he’d be on the roster Tuesday against the Mariners, he hoped his
time would come. Jerry had a strong hunch, which prompted Lauren’s father to make the five-and-a-half hour drive from San Diego, arriving 15 minutes before Jonah took the mound.
“Last night, I went to bed dreaming about coming out here and actually getting to throw,” Jonah said. “I’m glad it worked out and being here especially. I’m going to sleep really good tonight.”
Jonah entered for what was mostly mop-up duty in Kansas City’s11-4 win, but he flashed a 94 mph fastball and a solid breaking ball. He induced a groundout to Chance Sisco and a flyout to Zach DeLoach, with a strikeout to Riley Unroe in between. That evoked a
hearty applause from his dad, which had a sort of quirky, humorous irony given that the batter in the box played for the team he runs.
“No offense to Riley Unroe, but I was pretty fired up,” Jerry said.
“It’s hard to make him do that,” Jonah said about his dad cheering against his own team. “The clean inning was maybe the best part."
When Jonah walked off the field, Royals manager Mike Matheny greeted him on the top step of the dugout with a firm handshake and a smile. Matheny motioned up to the booth where Jonah’s parents stood and told Jonah to wave, so Jonah took off his cap, tipped it
Broncos HC: We will build offense 'around' Russell Wilson
This should be music to Wilson’s ears. There was widespread speculation that the veteran quarterback was frustrated within the Seattle offense. In fact, one ex-teammate seemed to sum up Wilson’s frustrations quite nicely.
Dave grohl and Taylor hawkins talking about Taylor's
This from Dave Grohl’s memoir is a reminder that people are many things. We are flawed in different ways, haunted by should have been & should have done. Much will be said about
why he died but to me the lesson is to love who you love while they live & do it out loud. #RIPTaylor