Mariners Dominate Padres in Spring Opener
By Ben Renner
The Mariners opened their Spring Training schedule with a 7-0 win over the Padres in Peoria.
The Mariners caught the power bug in their Spring Training opener against the Padres. Stefen Romero, Franklin Gutierrez, and Chris Iannetta all homered as the M’s hung a touchdown on the Friars. Iannetta hit a two-run jack in his first at-bat for the Mariners, and Romero and Guiterrez added solo shots as the M’s cruised to an easy win.
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James Paxton got the start for the Mariners and went two scoreless innings in the annual Charity Game at Peoria Stadium. Paxton looked good. He threw 34 pitches in his two innings of work, striking out one, walking one, and allowing no hits or balls out of the infield. He’s in a battle for a spot in the rotation with a host of other starters that Jerry Dipoto brought in for extra starting pitcher depth this offseason. Paxton says he felt good pounding the strikezone. He only made 13 starts last year due to a torn tendon in his finger in 2015.
It’s a good sign to see Iannetta swing the bat well. He hit a mere .188 for the Angels last year. He finished with three RBIs after tacking on another run with a sacrifice fly. Spring stats can be dubious indicators of regular season success, but for guys like Iannetta, who struggled through a tough season last year, getting off to a good start against real pitchers is never a bad thing.
Next: Mariners Position Primer: Outfield
Nate Karns will make his Mariners debut in about an hour in Peoria, facing famous Mariners-killer Philip Humber, who threw a perfect game against the M’s in 2012. Expect Mariners manager Scott Servais to feature Ketel Marte, Kyle Seager, and Robinson Cano in this afternoon’s contest. Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz is expected to return to the lineup Saturday after missing time with a sore left knee.