Date: 10/05/2012 05:38 AM
NW–SportsMinute/315
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) – With a debate settled over whether the Seattle Mariners will move in their fences in 2013, the question now is whether that will make any difference for one of the worst offensive teams in baseball. There is no question the Mariners are an improving ballclub, as evidenced by their eight-win jump to 75 victories in 2012. Their pitching remains a strength, led by Felix Hernandez, who put together an incredible run through much of the summer capped by the 21st perfect game in baseball history. But the offense remains the area of concern.
SEATTLE (AP) – The Seattle Mariners will not retain hitting coach Chris Chambliss for 2013 after another season during which their offense was among the worst in baseball. The Mariners made the announcement yesterday. The rest of Seattle’s coaching staff will return next season. Chambliss was Seattle’s hitting coach the past two seasons.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Third downs have been a nightmare for the Seattle Seahawks. Offensively, they’ve struggled to convert to keep drives alive. Defensively, they’ve allowed far more conversions than they’d like. Coming off a 19-13 loss at St. Louis, the third-down struggles have become a focus for the Seahawks. Seattle’s offense has converted on just 28 percent of its third downs so far this season. In the last two weeks, the Seahawks are converting at just a 20 percent clip.
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) – Oregon State has reversed field on its “Wear Black” campaign. University President Ed Ray on encouraged fans to dress in black to a pair of upcoming football games. Ray’s announcement comes after school officials had suspended the campaign amid concerns that it encouraged racial insensitivity. Those worries stemmed from a 2007 incident in which some students wore black face paint and Afro wigs to a game. Oregon State’s school colors are black and orange.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.