Mariners Tie A’s in Wild Spring Game
By Ben Renner
The Mariners tied the A’s 11-11 in a wild game at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa yesterday afternoon.
The Mariners played the A’s to a wild tie yesterday 11-11 after scoring eight runs in the top of the ninth. The ninth inning was wild in general for both teams. Mariners catcher Mike Zunino whacked a run-scoring triple in the top of the inning, starting the Mariners rally down by six runs. Zunino scored on a double by Shawn O’Malley. Then, with the bases loaded, Jesus Montero and Steven Lerud both drew walks. Arby Fields tacked on a sacrifice fly and Braden Bishop tied the game with an RBI knock. Chris Taylor then followed with yet another RBI single for the go-ahead run and O’Malley drew another bases loaded walk for the Mariners’ 11th run.
The A’s responded in the bottom half of the inning with RBI singles by Chris Coghlan and Matt Chapman to tie the game.
Robinson Cano continued his hot hitting, blasting a two-run home run off of A’s starter Kendall Graveman. New catching prospect Rob Brantley also hit a home run in the game.
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Those rooting for James Paxton to take over the fifth spot in the rotation over newcomer Nate Karns were dealt a blow yesterday. Paxton only lasted two-plus innings and allowed seven runs on six hits and four walks while striking out two in the game. Despite the late-game implosion for the Mariners bullpen, presumed closer Steve Cishek was sharp in his lone inning in this game, setting the A’s down in order in the fifth with one strikeout.
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The Mariners take on the Rangers at Peoria Stadium at 1:10 today. The game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports and MLB.tv so you can hear Dave Sims cackle at various jokes and random nonsequiturs live from the Arizona sun.