MLB Season Opener 2012: Score, Analysis and Highlights for Mariners vs. A's

It may not be the Opening Day we're all used to, but baseball's regular season is upon us, ladies and gentlemen.

At least for the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics, who opened the season in Japan early this morning (6:00 a.m. ET).

Let's take a look back at how baseball's first game played out this year.

Teams	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	R	H	E
Seattle Mariners	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	9	1
Oakland Athletics	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	1

Seattle's Players of the Game

Felix Hernandez was lights-out for the Mariners. Over eight innings, King Felix surrendered only five hits and one run while striking out six. He deserved the win in this one, but the Mariners offense could only manage one run until extra innings.

It wasn't because of Ichiro Suzuki and Dustin Ackley, however. The two combined for six of Seattle's nine hits and contributed all three RBI. Suzuki put on a show in his home country, finishing 4-for-5.

Ackley wasn't far behind, going 2-for-5 with a home run, a stolen base and the game-winning RBI in the 11th.

Oakland's Players of the Game

Felix Hernandez wasn't the only one dealing in this one. Brandon McCarthy put his best stuff forward as well, pitching seven strong innings, allowing only six hits and one run while fanning three. 

Yoenis Cespedes made his major-league debut for the team, and I wouldn't say he was one of the players of this game. He was certainly worth keeping an eye on, however. Cespedes finished 1-for-3 with a double and two strikeouts.

He'll certainly have to prove he can consistently hit breaking balls, but Cespedes looks like the real deal.

Highlights

Final Thoughts

If you haven't had your fantasy draft yet, keep a close eye on Hernandez, Ackley and McCarthy at your draft. Hernandez is obviously an ace, but Ackley and McCarthy could be excellent values for your team.

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