2019 Japan Opening Series —Mariners Claim Extra-Inning Win
The 2019 Japan Opening Series closed in unforgettable fashion.
The Mariners swept the 2-game series from the Oakland Athletics with a 5–4 win in 12 innings. But it was the Mariners duo of Japanese stars who stole the show.
Ichiro Suzuki played his final Major League game, exiting to a roaring ovation from the Tokyo Dome crowd in the bottom of the 8th inning. Following the game, Ichiro announced his retirement, capping an historic career that spanned 28 pro seasons and 4,367 hits from the Japan Pacific League to Major Leagues.
Yusei Kikuchi got the start for the Mariners, becoming the first Japanese-born player to make his Major League debut in Japan. He was making just his 2nd career professional start in the Tokyo Dome, following an outing there on June 8, 2018 with the Seibu Lions.
Goodbye Baseball
Ryon Healy put the Mariners in front, 2–0, in the top of the 2nd inning on a towering home run to left field. He finished 2-for-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI.
Healy’s homer plated Tim Beckham, who reached base safely in 7 of 9 plate appearances over the first 2 games of the season. Beckham has 5 hits — including a double and a home run — to go along with 2 walks in 2 games.
Welcome to the Show
Brandon Brennan and Braden Bishop joined Kikuchi in making their Major League debuts Thursday in Tokyo. The Mariners doubled the number of players who have appeared in their first big league game in Japan, joining Yoenis Cespedes (2012 w/OAK), Tarrik Brock (2000 w/CHC) and Danny Young (2000 w/CHC).
Brennan came on in relief to start the bottom of the 8th and got an inning-ending double play to keep the score knotted at 4–4. Bishop made his debut as a defensive replacement in center field.
What a Relief
Mariners relievers combined to keep the Athletics off the board for the game’s final five innings, highlighted by 2.0 scoreless frames from Matt Festa and a 3-strikeout inning by Zac Rosscup.
Flashy
Dee Gordon ignited the Mariners game-winning rally in the top of the 12th with a leadoff single. Walks to Mitch Haniger and Edwin Encarnación loaded the bases with 2 outs for Domingo Santana. Santana recorded his 5th RBI of the young season on a fielder’s choice, giving the Mariners a 5–4 lead.
Ballgame
Hunter Strickland earned his 2nd save in as many games, retiring the Athletics in order in the bottom of the 12th. Domingo Santana recorded the game-ending out, tracking down a fly ball to the left field wall off the bat of Jurickson Profar.
Handshakes and High Fives
