Seattle Mariners: What if the M’s won Game 4 of the 2001 ALCS?
Alternate reality
Since this is a “what if,” let’s go with it. Piniella, unfortunately, still has to bring in Rhodes. On 3-1 against Williams, Rhodes gets the pitch up too high, and it’s a walk. Martinez, who hit a hard line to first baseman John Olerud in his real at-bat, does the same, and being the great defensive player Olerud was, he tags out Williams for a double play. Sasaki takes care of business in the ninth, and the Series is tied 2-2.
It’s now a best of three with two of those games at Safeco Field. I like the Seattle Mariners’ chances in that scenario. Even if Aaron Sele threw a lemon in Game 5, as he did, Piniella had Freddie Garcia and Jamie Moyer to start the final two games.
World Series
To me, the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks had lots of holes for the M’s to exploit in a seven-game series. Both teams relied heavily on their top starters, but the back end of Seattle’s rotation and their bullpen was much better.
Aside from Luis Gonzalez, who had a Ruth-like season for Arizona in 2001, .325/.429/.688/1.017 with 57 home runs and 142 RBI, the Seattle Mariners had a better lineup. They also had five Gold Glove fielders. I think they would have won in six games for their first World Championship.
Do you think the Seattle Mariners go on to win the World Series if they won Game 4? Let us know in the comments section below.