M's Lose First Game of 4-Game Set

by Patrick

Yesterday the M's were outpitched by ancient starter Steve Trachsel who went 5 2/3 innings surrendering just four hits and two earned runs, both coming on a Beltre blast. Tonight, the Mariners are set for game two in this four game series in Charm City as they send last years surprise performer Miguel Batista out to the mound against Orioles up-and-comer Adam Loewen.

There was word that Batista may get skipped in the rotation allowing Bedard to start tonight but all indications point towards Batista getting the nod. Loewen is making his first start in about a year after coming back from an elbow injury that kept him out for just about all of the 2007 season. Good news: In 2 career starts against the M's, Loewen is 0-1 with a 7.11 era.

It seems like the weather is actually going to cooperate with us over the next couple games with rain not expected in Baltimore until about three hours after the start of the game tonight and ending before tomorrows 1 p.m. eastern matinee.

Because these games are in Baltimore and I live about 40 minutes from the ballpark, I'll be making the hike down to beautiful Camden Yards for tonight's game as well as tomorrow's game where Bedard will square off against his old club in what is sure to be a good game with high emotions. I'm going to try to take some pictures at these and I'll try to get them up on the blog!

GO M'S!