June 23: Mariners 8, Cubs 1

Cubs' MVP: Marlon Byrd Tyler Colvin, .080 WPA
Byrd technically accumulated more WPA, singling twice out of the leadoff spot. But most of that came on a fielder's choice/error in the sixth inning, which I'm not too comfortable crediting him with. So I'll give the MVP to Colvin, who crushed a Cliff Lee fastball into the seats for the only Cubs offense of the day series.

Mariner's MVP: Cliff Lee, .172 WPA
Lee went the distance, his only blemish the aforementioned home run to Colvin. He struck out nine and walked none, bringing his K/BB ratio this season the 76:4. Despite missing the entire month of April, Cliff Lee leads all pitchers in WAR (3.7) this season.

What makes Cliff Lee so hard to hit?

1) He throws nothing but strikes, like last night:

115 pitches, 90 strikes. Lee also throws a first pitch strike 72% of the time, the best in baseball. Second? Carlos Silva, at 70.2.

2) Not only does he throw nothing but strikes, he throws five different pitches for nothing but strikes, ranging anywhere from 76-92 mph:

Lee has had an astounding season thus far for the Mariners. If they deal him mid-season to a contender who is willing to sign him to a long term deal, Seattle is going to cash in bigtime.

Cubs' LVP: Randy Wells, -.327 WPA
Wells at least survived the first inning untouched for a change, but still gave up six runs and ten hits over six innings. He struck out just three while walking two, one of which was an inexcusable walk to The Great Michael Saunders with the bases loaded. You have to be careful with Michael Saunders when wimpy Ichiro is on deck. He served up an 88 mph meatball to Ichiro that Aaron Miles could have driven into center field, which effectively ended the game for the Cubs.

Although, really, it was over when Cliff Lee safely arrived at the stadium yesterday.

Mariners' LVP: Rob Johnson, -.119 WPA
Johnson struck out twice, including once with the bases loaded and only one out.

Biggest Hit of the Game: 
With two outs and the bases loaded in the fourth inning, Ichiro singles in two runs to extend the Mariners lead to three. (.158 WPA)

Biggest Out(s) of the Game:
With runners on the corners and one out in the first inning, Xavier Nady grounds into an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play. (-.116 WPA)

Play That Paul Sullivan Genuinely Didn't Know How to Feel About:
In the bottom of the fourth inning, a lazy hustling Alfonso Soriano made a diving shoestring catch robbing mercurial Milton Bradley of a hit.