M's sweep Halos

8/12 - Kingdome - Mariners 3, Angels 2
Judging by the ERA's that this Angel staff has any game where they give up less than 4 runs should be considered a win. Unfortunately that happened vs Randy Johnson, who was not his usual dominant self (5 k's), but very effective giving up 2 runs in almost 8 innings of work. Johnson allowed only 3 hits and both runs scored against him came after he had tossed 6 shutout innings. The M's got on the board first with 2 in the 3rd. Jay Buhner doubled home Rich Amaral and Tino Martinez singled home Ken Griffey Jr. who was give an free pass. Their third and most crucial run came in the 6th when Tino scored on a sac fly by catcher Dave Valle after leading off the inning with a double. When Johnson tired Norm Charlton came on to get Troy Glaus to end the 8th. Jeff Nelson recorded the save after allowing 2 consecutive 2 out singles. He finally got the 3rd out when Adam Kennedy grounded weakly to second.

8/13 - Kingdome - Mariners 1, Angels 0
Ok, this is starting to feel like a twilight zone episode. The pitching starved Angels send 3 guys to the hill to combine for a 1 run 5 hit performance, but still lose. Incredible ! Kent Bottenfield went 5 1/3 and gave up the lone run of the game. Unfortunately for him his opposite number, Erik Hanson allowed only hits and no runs over 8 before yielding to Norm Charlton who saved it with 2 k's in the 9th. The game's only run came in the home half of the 6th when Buhner singled with 1 out. Tino followed with a frozen rope to right and Mike Blowers walked to load the bases for Bret Boone who hit a warning track shot to left to allow Buhner to tag up and score.

8/14 - Kingdome - Mariners 5, Angels 3
The M's closed out the sweep of the opening series with 5 runs and workmanlike performance of 4 pitchers. Tim Leary started and went the required 6 and gave up only 1 run. Charlton, who appeared in all 3 games in the series, recorded the final 2 outs for his second save on this young season. Tino Martinez' 2 run shot in the 5th wound up being the difference maker. Junior Griffey hit his first of the season (a 2 run shot) in the 3rd.