One more update on a former Mason pitcher

The following is from a Seattle Mariners blog by Geoff Baker, the beat writer for the Seattle Times. It's an update on Chris Jakubauskas, the pitcher in the Mariners' organization who spent three seasons in the Frontier League including one with Ohio Valley, where his manager was Mark Mason. Jakubauskas, who spent three seasons in the Frontier League, is a non-roster invitee in the Mariners' camp and has been one of the feel-good stories of spring training. He started today for Seattle against Cleveland and gave up one run and four hits over five innings:

Jakubauskas, Branyan star in rout

There wasn't much more Chris Jakubauskas could do today as he tries to convince the Mariners to take him north. Jakubauskas gave up a lone run over five innings, needing just 61 pitches to get through the Cleveland Indians en route to a 12-4 win.

"We have a tough decision," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said moments ago.

I asked Wakamatsu what will play into that decision.

"I think you've got to look at history and what he's done in spring training," he said. "And then, make the right decision."

Jakubauskas spent four-and-a-half years in independent league baseball before the Mariners signed him in 2007. He's a former hitter, who, when his bat bottomed out in college, reverted to pitching again for the first time since high school. Now, he's one head-nod by Wakamatsu and company away from heading to the majors.

"I was thinking about that a couple of days ago and I didn't want to get my mind dwelling on how this was a huge start," Jakubauskas said. "Obviously, it was for me. My last one of the spring. I wanted to keep it the same as I kept it all spring. Going through the same routine and trying not to think about it. I'd be lying if I said I didn't a little bit, but I tried to get myself out of that real quick and just focus on throwing five strong innings again today."