The Seattle Mariners won their spring opener on Friday over the San Diego Padres 3-2. Lead off hitter Dee Gordon started the game off by hitting a double. Shortstop Jean Segura drove him home with a single and then Kyle Seager who was batting third drove him in to make the score 2-0. I am sure we are hoping to see a lot of Segura driving home Gordon throughout the season or at least getting on base to for Robinson Cano to drive them how. Cano will be the primary hitter batting third during the season.
Starter Ariel struggled some in his outing especially in the first inning. He gave a run himself in the first to make the score 2-1 after one inning. Utility player Andrew Romine who started at second hit a double and scored the Mariners third run to take a 3-1 lead. The Padres scored their second and last run in the eighth by shortstop Fernando Tatis off of reliever Shawn Armstrong who game up another hit in the game but did strike out three batters. Dan Altavilla finished off the ninth inning striking out three batters to get the save. This for sure gives him a good time to get a spot in the bullpen.
Andrew Moore who is competing for a spot in the rotation as well had a good outing going two innings. He gave up no hits but walked a batter but struck out three batters though. If he continues to pitch this way he should nail down the fifth spot in the rotation.
The Mariners take on the Chicago White Sox today at noon. This game and Sunday’s will be on Root Sports. Mike Leake will be starting for the Mariner. He likely will go a couple of innings as well. As far as the lineup goes Dee Gordon will be the only regular and the rest will be guys who may or may not make the team. Utility player Andrew Romine will start at shortstop while his main competition hold over Taylor Motter will play third base. Gordon Beckham who is a former major leaguer and a minor league invitee will start at second base.
Besides Dee Gordon the outfield will be made up of a couple guys who will try to make the squad as a backup however they are outside shots since Guillermo Heredia looks like he is ready to go after off-season surgery. In left field will be John Andreoli and right field Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Mike Marjama who the Mariners picked up at the end of last season and competing for the backup catcher spot will start there.
Mike Leake who the Mariners picked up from the St. Louis near the end of last season and might be either the second or third starter depending on how Felix Hernandez does started five games for the Mariners with a solid 2.53 earn run average. He did struggle some with the Cardinals with an era over four and a record of 7-12. He averaged pitching about seven innings a game in thirty-one starts between both teams. His career in the major leagues he has been one of the best pitchers when it comes to starts and innings pitched. With the offense of the Mariners along with going seven innings giving up four runs or less he should be a solid starter to go with James Paxton. If he can win between twelve and fifteen games for the Mariners that will help out the rotation for sure. Paxton and Leake should be able to keep the bullpen in check and not be used so heavily.
It would be nice if the Mariners could pick up another pitcher like Leake. It could happen during the season if Felix gets hurt or struggles along with the fourth and fifth starters. Of course keeping Paxton healthy throughout the season is key for the Mariners to make into the playoffs. The Mariners can’t afford for any other the regulars to get hurt during the season as well. As long as everyone stays somewhat healthy the Mariners will have a good shot to make the playoffs. We all hope for the best and an exciting season. Go M’s.
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