A search for the next manager of the Seattle Mariners has entered an advanced stage, with several candidates reportedly under consideration. The Athletic has noted that former Astros manager Joe Espada, Dodgers special assistant Rocco Baldelli, and Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler are in the running for the position. The Mariners aim to conclude their hiring process by the end of October, according to the report.
The Mariners also announced that Mitch Garver is expected to retire after a decade in Major League Baseball, having spent the last three seasons with the team.
In related news, the Los Angeles Angels have begun their own search for a new manager after declining the club option in Kurt Suzuki’s contract. Suzuki, who led the Angels to a franchise-record 100 losses last season, has stepped down as manager, leaving three teams in the American League West, including the Mariners, without a skipper at this time.
Kraken Win in Shootout
The Seattle Kraken secured a victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night, winning 4-3 in a shootout. The win marks the Kraken’s second victory over the Red Wings in two weeks. Seattle was on the verge of losing a 3-0 lead entering the third period, but the team managed to send the game to extra time. Bobby McMann scored the decisive goal in the shootout, while goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 22 saves in regulation to help prevent a third consecutive loss for the Kraken.
Next, the Kraken will continue their homestand with a game against the Central Division-leading Utah Mammoth. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on KGMI.
Western Washington University Basketball
The college basketball season is approaching, with the Western Washington University women’s team set to host Trinity Western in a preseason exhibition tonight at Carver Gym. The Vikings are favored to repeat as GNAC champions, according to a preseason coaches poll. The game begins at 6:00 p.m.
Both the Western men’s and women’s teams will kick off their regular seasons on the road next Friday, traveling to Ellensburg for the Central Washington University Tip-Off Classic. Meanwhile, the University of Washington women’s basketball team has garnered national attention, ranking 16th in the preseason AP Top 25 poll as they look to build on last year’s success.
Local High School Sports Update
In girls soccer, Bellingham narrowly defeated Squalicum 1-0 in a clash between two strong teams, securing their status as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming district tournament, which starts on Monday.
