Huskies Flop at Home: Weren’t the Huskies supposed to be fired up after Wazzu fans rushed the floor? Instead they came out and scored 17 points in the first half. SEVENTEEN POINTS! The Cougs joined the crew of teams who’ve stifled the Dawgs with a 2-3 zone, opening up as much as a 21-point lead. It’s the Huskies first home loss of the year. Huskies 19-9 (10-6) 3rd place in Pac-10. Next game Thursday vs. UCLA.
Who Is “The Trialist”? I thought it was just laziness that had the Sounders identify a player as “Trialist” in a box score last week, but they actually are trying to protect the identity of a player who’s trying out with the team! Of course, fans on Twitter are having a blast, coming up with Chuck Norris Fact type lines at #TheTrialist.
Mariners Score 13 Runs in Win: After scoring double-digits in runs only twice in 2010, the M’s did it on the first day of the regular season in a 13-12, 10-inning win over the Padres. Big OF Carlos Peguero was the star, hitting a two-run homer to tie it with two outs in the ninth. Josh Bard had a walk-off single to win it. Bedard, Yusmerio Petit and Chris Smith pitched well. Denny Bautista did not. M’s play again today in Peoria at 12:05 PST.
What they’re saying (bored Seahawks edition)…
“Is it a sin to free ball in church?” — Mike Williams
“Can a female explain to me the symptoms of a girl on there period? As far as emotions and attitudes? Im confused.” — Kam Chancellor
“I just listened to a female hate and call other females broke.. Soooo, why did I see her pull out an Iphone w/ the cracked screen!?” — Mike Williams
In other news..
Here’s the first pitch of spring training!
Hall-of-Fame outfielder Duke Snider died. After his 407-homer major league career, mostly with the BKN/LA Dodgers, Snider managed the Spokane Indians in 1965.
Mariners rotation hopeful Erik Bedard threw a 1-2-3 first inning in the Mariners/Padres game Sunday, needing just 9 pitches (eight were strikes). The Erik Bedard Threat Level remains at Guarded, but it is sure inching toward Elevated. Impressive, to say the least.
Mariners outfield hopeful Jody Gerut retired Sunday. Gerut read a prepared speech to reporters, saying he didn’t have the competitive fire anymore, a la Mike Hargrove. What is it about being a Seattle Mariner that saps competitive fire? Oh I know.
Pitching probables for the M’s the next two days, via the Times’ Geoff Baker…
Monday: Fister, Pauley, League, Ray, Roe, Olson, Seddon, Castro.
Tuesday: Roberston, Beavan, Lueke, Cortes, Ring, Wilhelmsen, Flores, Paredes
Ken Griffey’s daughter Taryn Griffey led her high school hoops team to a Florida state championship Saturday night. Daughter Griffey led the Orlando Dr. Phillips Panthers with 19 points and 10 boards in the game. She’s merely a freshman.
Griffey is in the Philippines as a U.S. State Department special envoy. According to the State Department, Griffey will “conduct baseball clinics with youth baseball players, softball players and coaches and participate in local community service projects.” He’s overseas through March 4, after which time he’ll presumably be on his way to M’s camp.
The UW women kept their 16-year unbeaten streak over Wazzu alive, blowing the Cougs out 65-48 in Pullman for their 32nd consecutive win in the series.
The Seahawks site has everything you could ever want to know about new Hawks QB coach Carl Smith. Smith, 62, has coached every position in football, on both sides of the ball. He was a tight ends coach under Pete Carroll in New England.
Jake Locker ran fast (a 4.52 40) and threw accurately under no pressure at the NFL combine, so he’ll do great in the pros — assuming the pros adopt a “no rushing the passer until six Mississippi” rule after the lockout. Here’s a post-workout interview with Locker.
Matchups are set for the 3A and 4A boys hoops quarterfinals on Thursday. One intriguing matchup: Kentridge and Gonzaga recruit Gary Bell against Gonzaga Prep at 2:30 p.m. Probably most of the Gonzaga Prep rooters bench will be in the Gonzaga University stands cheering Bell on next year.
The Sounders beat the Chicago Fire 1-0 in an exhibition match, with rookie midfielder Servando Carrasco getting the winning goal.
Seattle U beat Cal-State Bakersfield Saturday night. Chad Rasmussen had 8 three-pointers for the Redhawks, who play at Stanford on Tuesday.
Today’s action…
Spring Training: Mariners “@” Padres, 12:05 p.m. (710-AM)