I think it’s the game of the year for a few reasons:
While it’s not a game against the Yankees or a game in our division, it’s still a very formidable opponent that is always tough for us. It was a playoff type atmosphere, as close as you can probably get to that type of feeling in mid-August. We did it in their house and I don’t care what anyone says, flying across country from east to west isn’t optimal. We did it the night after we got thrashed. That’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about Hyde’s teams, they can get their brains beat in one night and come back the next day like nothing happened.
Irvin stepped up and delivered an immense performance, he was matching Kirby inning for inning. And I know we’ve been shut out this season but I think that was easily the best pitching performance against us by an opponent. Our bullpen was nails through middle innings until the end, capping it with a vintage Felix performance.
The defense was air tight. The much maligned Mateo made an outstanding play, doing the jump throw from the hole. Cano made a great play off the mound. Gunnar kept the tag on that runner to secure that out at second base on the steal attempt.
As gratifying as a walkoff against the Yankees or hanging 14 on them? Maybe not. But the Yankees are pretty pathetic this year, they haven’t been a threat for awhile now and they’re all but officially eliminated from a playoff berth. They’re sleepwalking to the end of the season. The Mariners are the hottest team in the game right now.
So those are my reasons I’ve got it as the game of the year so far.