at last they'll be worthy of a highlight reel

The Mariners, that is. Whether they slide into mediocrity or win the division, they've got talent. Watching the afternoon game while grading papers, I get to see...

Richie Sexson blast another long ball

Jose Lopez barehand a grounder up the middle, narrowly missing the putout

Kenji Johjima nail Darren Erstad in a strike-em-out-throw-em-out double play

Jose Lopez bang out a gap triple

Have faith, people. They're fun to watch again.

Update: Despite some shakiness in the bullpen (Sherrill looked mighty nervous as a closer), we did it. We beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to win our first series of the season. Sweet pine tar of hope.