Mariners Spring Training Update – Day 23
Stefen Romero went 4-for-5 with 2 HR and 7 RBI vs. the Royals.
Thursday, March 7, 2013 / 25 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 32 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)
Mariners Go 1-1 in Split-Squad Action:
Stefen Romero went 4-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBI to lead the Seattle Mariners to a 12-2 split-squad victory over the Kansas City Royals Thursday afternoon at Surprise Stadium. Across the valley in Phoenix, the other half of the Mariners were defeated 7-3 by the A’s in Cactus League play.
Home Run Derby:
With four more home runs today (Romero-2, Wells vs. KC & Andino vs. OAK) the Mariners have combined to hit 30 home runs in 14 games, surpassing spring totals from 2012 (28 HR in 26 G), 2011 (27 HR in 31 G) and 2010 (23 HR in 32 G). 18 different players have accounted for the 30 home runs, which lead all MLB teams in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues. Here are some video highlights of the game vs. the Royals, including the home runs hit by Stefen Romero and Casper Wells:
Romero’s Big Day:
Stefen Romero, who was the Mariners Minor League Player of the Year in 2012, fell a triple short of the cycle and had 11 total bases recording 2 home runs (including a grand slam), a double, a single and 7 RBI vs. the Royals.
Thanks everyone for the love! Y'all the best!—
Stefen Romero (@stefonson) March 07, 2013
Felix’s Debut:
Felix Hernandez made his Cactus League debut against the Royals. King Felix allowed 2 hits (both in the 2nd inning) and one run, while striking out a pair. He threw 33 pitches (19 strikes) and told the media “he felt great” and that “it was about time he got out on the mound.”
Felix Hernandez made his first spring start today vs the Royals. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Bonderman & Iwakuma Look Solid:
Their totals may get lost in the box score, but the strong outings were turned in by normal starters Hisashi Iwakuma (3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 10 batters face at KC) and Jeremy Bonderman (3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 10 batters faced at OAK).
Dan the Man:
Dan Wilson arrived in camp and was in uniform today (and made the trip to the game vs. the A’s). He’ll work with the Major and Minor League catchers over the next few days, and his presence will be a great asset to the club. As many know, they don’t come much nicer than Dan the Man! That makes three Mariners legends currently in camp (Ken Griffey Jr., Jay Buhner, Dan Wilson). We’ll try to get a fun picture with the three of them together for the blog.
Dan Wilson arrived in camp today.
Big Win for Italy:
Team Italy, with Mariners infielder Alex Liddi batting cleanup, pulled a bit of a stunner this afternoon earning a 6-5 come-from-behind win over Mexico in Pool D play of the World Baseball Classic. Liddi went 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI in the win.
Alex Liddi was 2-for-3 in Italy’s 6-5 win over Mexico. (Getty)
Bad Weather on the Way?:
It was a nice, but overcast, day here in the Valley of the Sun with temperatures in the mid 70’s. There is a good chance of rain and a lot of wind in the forecast for tomorrow. Hopefully we can get tomorrow’s 1:05 pm game in against the A’s without any weather delays.
On Tap Tomorrow (Friday, March 8):
The Mariners (11-3) return to Cactus League play tomorrow with a home game against the Oakland Athletics (6-6) at Peoria Stadium (12:05 PT/1:05 MT). Right-hander Hector Noesi (0-1, 14.73) is scheduled to make his second spring start (4th appearance) against A’s right-hander A.J. Griffin (1-0, 1.80). The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 710 Seattle and Mariners.com (for subscribers to MLB.tv). The team will also hold its normal morning workout, taking the field for stretch at 9:30 am (Fields 1&2) and batting practice from 10:15-11:15 am.
