MAC WITH THE SEATTLE MARINERS IN 1998
5th game, Sept 24
It was the last oppportunity Mac was given this season to start.
He was unable to close the year so happily.
That's because he lasted only 2 1/3 innings.
A former Kintetsu Buffaloes Lee Stevens was one of those who slammed his pitch to a 3 base hit.
Mac had to take responsibility for 5 runs with his 2nd loss.
4th game, Sept 19
Mac gave up 3 runs in 4 innings, including of a total of 7 base hits.
His team had batted in 3 runs before he left the mound, so
the game was a no decision game for him.
In the end, the Mariners lost to the Anaheim Angels 3 to 5.
3rd game, Sept 14
The Mariners led 3 to 1 until the Minnesota Twins caught up in the 3rd inning.
Mac did not lose further runs after that inning though. Even better, his teammate Russ Davis' 3 run homer in the 6th inning
put the Mariners again ahead. Mac hurled 6 1/3 innings and
marked his first win ever in the U.S. Major Leagues.
The Mariners won 10 to 3.
2nd game, Sept 8
Makoto Suzuki was given the opportunity to start again on.
This time, he faced the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He pitched 5 shut out innings.
But then, in the 6th inning, he gave up a 3 run homer to McGriff.
He lost more runs, and was off the mound after succumbing to a total 5 runs.
The Mariners could not score at all, and lost the game 0 to 10.
Mac took his first lost.
1st game, Sept 2
Makoto "Mac" Suzuki started in the Major League level for the first time.
He kept the Boston Red Sox from scoring for 6 innings.
However in the 7th, he was doubled. Still, the Mariners were leading 3 to 1.
What happened was, the pitcher who took over-Jose Paniagua gave up a 2 run homer.
It became a no decision game for Mac.
In the end though, the Mariners were defeated 7 to 3.
Michiyo's Note:
I recall interviewing Mac about 5 years ago.
He was the only one seriously trying out for the Major Leagues then.
Now, at 23, and 7 years in the minors he has finally
been given an opportunity to start a game.
People regard him as the 6th Japanese to start a Major League game.
He actually came before Nomo.
Besides, what makes him special is that, he is the only Japanese
in the U.S Major League who has never played professionally in Japan.
He didn't finish high school in Japan.