Mariners Spring Training Update – Day 34
Day 34 / Friday, March 16, 2012 / 12 Days ‘til Opening Night in Tokyo (March 28 vs. Oakland) / 28 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 13 vs. Oakland)
Weather:
First pitch for the afternoon game in Tucson vs. the Brewers was 81°. Temperature at first pitch at 7:04 was 83°. A rarity may be on the way in the Valley of the Sun, as rain showers and temperatures in the 50’s are expected in the Phoenix area on Sunday and Monday.
Tweet of the Day:
Thanks for all the Birthday wishes! One more year till the Dirty Thirty. Also wish a Happy Birthday to @cgrand14 @BrianWilson38.
—
Brandon League (@BrandonLeague43) March 16, 2012The Nightcap:
The Mariners will play the A’s tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. You can follow the game by listening to Rick Rizzs and Mike Blowers on ESPN 710 Seattle. Live statistical updates can also be tracked on Mariners.com via the Gameday feature. We’ll post a small recap following the game.
The Bus Trip to Tucson: Box Score | Recap
The Mariners made their first bus trip to Tucson since 2010 today, and beat the Brewers 6-1 at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez allowed 1 hit and struck out 6 in 6.0 shutout innings to earn the win. Dustin Ackley went 3-for-3 with 3 doubles and 1 RBI, and Alex Liddi continued his tear at the plate going 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored, a home run and 2 RBI.
On the Farm:
After a few days of Intrasquad games, the Mariners minor leaguers officially opened spring training play today with four games. The Mariners four affiliates (AAA Tacoma, AA Jackson, A Clinton, A High Desert) played the Kansas City Royals affiliates today. LHP Danny Hultzen started the AAA game and allowed 3 hits and 3 runs in 3.0 IP.
Leaving on a Jet Plane:
The Mariners fly to Japan next Thursday (March 22)…buses roll from Peoria at noon, and hopefully wheels up at 1 pm…the traveling party is scheduled to arrive at Narita Airport at 6 pm on March 23.
Happy Birthday Brandon:
Mariners closer Brandon League celebrates his 29th birthday today…in Hawaiian we would say Hau’oli la hanau (pronounced How-o-lee Laa Haa-now)…League shares his birthday with fellow All-Stars Brian Wilson and Curtis Granderson.
Mariners All-Access:
Mariners All Access airs tonight at 6:30 p.m. PT on ROOT Sports. The 30-minute show is dedicated to game highlights from today’s game vs. the Brewers, featuring the dominating performance by King Felix. Here are some highlights to look forward to in tonight’s show:
- A feature on the new “State of the Art” grow lights for the grass at Safeco Field
- Veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood is interviewed and talks about what his experience means to this young
- pitching staff.
- Players talk about the upcoming trip to Japan.
- Highlights from today’s 6-1 win over the Brewers in Tucson, including Dustin Ackley’s three doubles and the dominating start by Felix Hernandez.
On Tap Tomorrow (3/17):
Opponent: at Chicago White Sox
Location: Camelback Ranch
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Blake Beavan (1-0, 2.38) vs. RHP Jake Peavy (0-2, 18.69)
Radio: The game will be broadcast on 710 ESPN Seattle and select stations on the Mariners Radio Network. You can also listen online for subscribers at Mariners.com and follow via MLB’s Gameday
Upcoming Probable Pitchers:
3/18 vs. Colorado (1:05 p.m.) – RHP Hector Noesi (0-0, 1.80) vs. LHP Josh Outman
3/19 vs. Chicago-NL (1:05 p.m.) – LHP Jason Vargas (0-1, 5.62) vs. TBA
3/20 at Cincinnati (1:05 p.m.) – RHP Kevin Millwood (1-1, 4.00) vs. TBA
3/21 vs. Chicago-AL (1:05 p.m.) – RHP Felix Hernandez (2-1, 1.38) vs. TBA
3/22 – Depart for Japan
- JE
