Monday, March 24, 2014 / 7 Days ‘til Opening Night (March 31 at Los Angeles Angels) / 14 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Angels)
Game Recap vs. White Sox:
Despite a 2-for-4 game with 4 RBI from second baseman Robinson Cano, the Mariners dropped a 7-6 decision to the Chicago White Sox Monday afternoon in Cactus League play at Peoria Stadium.
The Mariners dropped to 16-10-3 with the loss, and have four spring training games remaining before the start of the 2014 regular season March 31 at the Los Angeles Angels.
Cano finished 2-for-4, including a three-run double in the bottom of the 7th inning. In 15 Cactus League games, Cano is batting .465 (20×43) with 4 doubles and 13 RBI. Dustin Ackley went 1-for-3 with a double and RBI.
Blake Beavan (2-2) suffered the loss allowing 7 hits and 7 runs in 5.1 innings, and allowed a pair of home runs. Relievers Tom Wilhelmsen (1.2 IP, H, 2 K), Charlie Furbush (1.1 IP, 4 K) and Danny Farquhar (0.2 IP, H, K) did not allow a run over the final 3.2 innings.
The White Sox did most of their damage in a five-run second inning. Second baseman Marcus Semien hit a three-run home run off Beavan. Designated hitter Paul Konerko also hit a two-run home run off Beavan in the 6th inning. White Sox starter Erik Johnson (1-1) earned the win allowing 4 hits and 3 runs in 6.0 innings.
Hisashi Iwakuma Played Catch…With A Baseball
Media gathers to watch Hisashi Iwakuma play catch.
It doesn’t sound that exciting but Hisashi Iwakuma continues to make progress from a finger injury and today he played catch with the rest of the Mariners pitchers. A healthy crowd of Japanese and American media, roughly 15 strong, went out to field six on the Mariners side of the Peoria Sports Complex and watched Hisashi make 43 throws to interpreter Antony Suzuki. He told MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that, “It’s getting better day by day,” he said. “I don’t have that range of motion yet and I don’t know how long it will take, but it’s getting there. It’s a slow progression.”
Baseball Tonight’s Top 10
Recently, Baseball Tonight rated Robinson Cano as the top second baseman in baseball and Felix Hernandez as the top right-handed pitcher in baseball. Using a 0-to-100 scale, they evaluated the players based only on how well they will perform in 2014.
Autograph Alley
Want to meet the Mariners and get an autograph? We’ve written in before and we’ll write it again. Spring Training is the easiest place to get up close and personal with your favorite players since they walk through public areas to get from the fields to the clubhouse. Come check it out and say hello.
Video Highlights:
Robinson Cano 3-Run Double (7th inning)
Dustin Ackley RBI Double (2nd inning)
Photo of the Day
Robinson Cano takes some swings in the cage before the game.
What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (16-9-3) will play a night game on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. You can hear all the action on 710 ESPN Seattle with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith calling the action. The game will also be televised by MLB Network on a two hour delay starting at 8 pm PST. Right-hander Felix Hernandez is scheduled to start for the Mariners vs. Royals left-hander Bruce Chen.
Single Game Tickets on Sale:
Single-game tickets for the 2014 Seattle Mariners season are currently on sale. Highlights of the 81-game home schedule include Opening Night (Tuesday, April 8 vs. Los Angeles Angels), Beard Hat Night, Turn Back The Clock Night, Bat Night, Lou Piniella’s induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame, three postgame fireworks shows, and a host of other special events and giveaways (available at this link mariners.com/promotions). Tickets will be available without a service charge at the Safeco Field Box Office and Seattle Mariners Team Stores. They’re also available at mariners.com, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers and by phone at 1-888-SEA-HITS (service charges apply).
Tweet of the Day:
ESPN's Baseball Tonight has rated Robinson Cano as game's best 2B, and Felix Hernandez as game's best RHP.—
Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) March 24, 2014