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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Seattle backs into a win

MARINERS

We wrote yesterday how Horacio Ramirez's injury wasn't too serious. Next thing we know, he's on the 15-day disabled list.

So we won't write today Felix Hernandez's back problem isn't all that serious – though everyone seems to be saying that – in hopes he won't be headed to the DL as well.

The winner in the Felix vs. Gil matchup? The trainers – both starters left with back problems. I think Gil's, however, was caused by jerking his head around too quickly to watch all the M's line drives scoot up the alleys. Before he left, Seattle pounded him to the tune of seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Felix got three more outs than that before leaving and, more importantly, picked up the decision in the 10-2 win.

Today (4:10; KSKN-22; 920-AM) Cha Seung Baek takes his 5.50 ERA and 1-2 record to the mound against the Royals.

Today's hot list …

• The "minor" back stiffness is mentioned early in all the game stories. Here they are, from the Times, the P-I and the News Tribune (great lead paragraph from Larry LaRue). The Kansas City Star had this focusing on Meche.

• Ramirez found himself on the 15-day DL with a problem with his left shoulder. If he's out any length of time, the M's will have to make another decision about the staff.

• Backup catcher Jamie Burke had a conversation with his hometown newspaper.

• And our question of the day …

• Who should take Ramirez's spot in the starting rotation?



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