PEORIA, Ariz. – Mariners hitters combined for 12 hits while Seattle pitchers tallied 13 strikeouts in a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres in the Cactus League lid lifter before a crowd of 5,431 on a chilly Friday afternoon at the Peoria Sports Complex. Seattle scored in each of the first two innings and held off the Padres with 7 innings of 4-hit, 1-run work by the relief corps. The Mariners have won 8 of their last 11 Spring Training openers.
Dee Gordon wasted no time in flashing his speed on the bases, doubling to left field to lead off the game and scoring on a throwing error. Gordon scored the first of two Mariner runs in the top of the 1st as Jean Segura followed with a single and later scored on a Kyle Seager double to left.
Seattle manufactured another run in the top of the 2nd. Andrew Romine singled to begin the inning before stealing 2nd base, one of three Mariners stolen bases on the afternoon. Gordon dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Romine to 3rd before Segura brought him home with a sacrifice fly. Romine finished 2-for-2 with a run scored and a double.
Ariel Miranda picked up the win after tossing 2.0 innings and allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks with 1 strikeout. Andrew Moore came on in relief and worked 2.0 innings, striking out 3 without allowing a hit. James Pazos struck out 1 in 1.0 scoreless inning. Christian Bergman threw scoreless 2.0 innings, striking out 2. Shawn Armstrong allowed a solo home run but fanned 3 in 1.0 inning of work. Dan Altavilla struck out the side in the 9th inning to earn the save.
After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, on Feb. 14, all Major League clubs wore the caps of the Stoneman Douglas Eagles baseball team during pregame today. The Mariners and Padres also wore the hats throughout today’s game. The hats worn by the Mariners today will be signed and auctioned off to benefit the official victims fund via the Broward Education Foundation.
The Mariners (1-0) return to Cactus League play tomorrow (Saturday, February 24) hosting the Chicago White Sox at 12:10 PT/1:10 MT at Peoria Stadium. The game will be broadcast in the Seattle area on 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network. It will also be televised live in HD on ROOT Sports NW. Right-handed pitcher Mike Leake is scheduled to start for the Mariners against White Sox right-hander Chris Volstad.
