Seattle Mariners Open 2008 MLB Season with Eyes on a Division Crown

- Seattle's new ace Erik Bedard takes the mound On Opening Day vs.
- Erik Bedard, Felix Hernandez, Carlos Silva set to start opening series

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SEATTLE, 03/27/2008 -- The level of excitement is rising as the Seattle Mariners open the 2008 season with a three-game homestand against division rival Texas Rangers, March 31-April 2. With two key additions to the starting rotation, the Mariners look to win their first Division Crown since the 2001 season.

On Opening Day, new Seattle Mariners Ace, Erik Bedard will make his much anticipated team debut in front of a sellout crowd at Safeco Field. Bedard, 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA against Texas last year, will be making his second consecutive Opening Day start and will be opposed by Texas Ace Kevin Millwood who was 2-3 with a 5.21 ERA against Seattle in 2007. Bedard was third in the American League with 221 strikeouts, fourth in ERA (3.16) and led the league with 10.93 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in 2007.

Last years Opening Day starter, 21-year-old Felix Hernandez will make his season debut on Tuesday, April 1 against a revamped Rangers lineup that added Milton Bradley, Ben Broussard and Josh Hamilton during the off-season. Hernandez dominated the Rangers a year ago in his two starts, tossing a combined 14.2 innings while posting a 1.83 ERA with 15 strikeouts including a masterful performance on the last day of the 2007 season.

Carlos Silva, signed as a free agent in December, will close out the opening homestand with his Mariners debut on April 2 in the third game of the season. Over the last four seasons, only seven American League pitchers have tossed more innings than Silva.

Coming off an award-winning season, Ichiro (Silver Slugger), Adrian Beltre (Gold Glove) and J.J. Putz (Rolaids Relief Man of the Year) are back and will be joined by new Mariners right fielder Brad Wilkerson as the team works to take that extra step to get to the playoffs.

Throwing the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day will be Mariners Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus. Niehaus, who has been the Voice of the Mariners since 1977, will be inducted into the Broadcasters Wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York later this year.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Day - Magnetic Schedules (Mar. 31 vs. TEX)
Make your plans to be part of the pageantry of Opening Day. On-field festivities begin at 3 p.m. Plus, all fans in attendance will pick up a handy Mariners 2008 magnetic schedule presented by Yellow Book. Don't miss out on the fun!

Salute to Armed Forces - Coins (April 1 vs. TEX)
The Mariners are proud to honor the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services. The evening will feature a special pre-game ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. Plus, 20,000 fans will take home a Mariners military coin courtesy of Boeing & 570 KVI. Coins will be distributed post-game.

Grand Slam Family Pack Night (April 2 vs. TEX)
The best deal in baseball! The MasterCard Grand Slam Family Packs include four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi brand soft drinks for one low price. View Reserved Pack - $55 (day of game - $60), Field Pack - $110 (day of game - $120), Terrace Club OF Pack - $135 (day of game - $145).

HOMESTAND AT A GLANCE
DATE OPPONENT TIME TV SPECIAL EVENT TICKETS*
Mon. March 31 Texas Rangers 3:40 FSN Opening Day Mariners Magnetic Schedules Scattered Singles
Tue. April 1 Texas Rangers 7:10 FSN Salute to Armed Forces Coins (Boeing & 570 KVI) 24,000
Wed. April 2 Texas Rangers 7:10 FSN Grand Slam Family Pack Night 28,000

*Approximate remaining as of March 27, 2008
All games broadcast on KOMO 1000 & the Mariners Radio Network

PROBABLE PITCHERS VS TEXAS
3/31 LHP Erik Bedard vs. RHP Kevin Millwood
4/1 RHP Felix Hernandez vs. RHP Vicente Padilla
4/2 RHP Carlos Silva vs. RHP Jason Jennings

OPENING DAY INFO
* Gates will open at 1:40 PM
* Pre-game celebrations begin at 3:00 PM
* Dave Niehaus - Ceremonial First Pitch

Source: MLB