SEATTLE – Six Mariners relievers took the field in front of a packed house at T-Mobile Park in the first two games of the American League Division Series, taking center stage on the biggest set of the season.

Well, actually, make that seven.

Just before the first pitch of Game 1 on Saturday, the Mariners brought out Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton to give a short speech to pump up the crowd. For Sunday’s Game 2, they brought out someone closer to home: reliever Trent Thornton – who has been out for the season since tearing his left Achilles on the mound on July 31 – to match the energy brought by one of the most beloved and famous stars in Seattle sports history.

So there Thornton was, one knee on his scooter, leg in a boot, mic in one hand and trident in the other. He’s set

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