Dustin Ackley went 2-for-4 with a triple today.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 / 5 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 12 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)

Game Recap:
The Mariners built a 10-3 lead and survived a four-run eighth inning by Los Angeles to defeat the Dodgers 10-7 in the final game at Peoria Stadium this spring. Seattle hit one home run, giving them an MLB-leading 55 this spring. Michael Morse gave Seattle a 2-0 lead in the first inning, hitting a long homer to left field with two outs off of LA starter Clayton Kershaw. Felix Hernandez (1-1) was the winner. He started for Seattle opposite Kershaw in a match-up of former Cy Young Award winners. Hernandez won the AL Cy Young in 2010, and Kershaw claimed the NL award in 2011. Hernandez gave up 3 earned runs in 6.0 innings of work, with 2 runs scoring on a 2-out RBI double by pitcher Ted Lilly in the sixth following several disputed ball/strike calls in the inning. Here is a box score from MLB.com.

#Mariners postgame blog is up with video of Morse's homer, Ackley's 3B, Tenbrink's big hit and Wedge's ejection bit.ly/YFebx4—
Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) March 27, 2013

Home Run Record:
Michael Morse hit his 8th home run, a two-run shot off Clayton Kershaw in the bottom of the first inning. The 8 home runs lead all players in spring training (both Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues), and have tied the spring club record with Mike Wilson (also hit 8 in 2009). The Mariners have now hit 55 home runs in 31 games to lead all teams. The 55 home runs are tied for third most by any team in spring training play over the last 20 years.

Maurer Named Peoria ROY:
Prior to the game Brandon Maurer was named the Peoria Diamond Club Rookie of the Year. The right-hander finished spring 3-1 with a 0.90 ERA. Maurer was introduced by the Diamond Club and his named was placed on a special sign on that displays the other Peoria Diamond Club Rookies of the Year.

Brandon Maurer accepts his Peoria Diamond Club Rookie of the Year Award.

Good Roomates:
Brandon Maurer was all smiles when he learned that he had made the Opening Day rotation. After calling his parents in Southern California to share the special news, Maurer was greeted by some of his roommates/teammates, Taijuan Walker, Stefen Romero and James Paxton. The tight-knit group, along with Logan Bawcom, are often found dining, golfing and hanging out together.

Tweet of the Day:

Congrats to my boy Brandon Maurer making the @Mariners rotation. No one better; Great guy! #roommate—
Logan Bawcom (@LoganBawcom) March 27, 2013

The King is Ready:
Felix Hernandez made his final spring start prior to making his 2013 debut on Opening Day April 1 at Oakland. Felix allowed 9 hits and 3 runs in 6.0 innings to earn the win. He threw 96 pitches (61 strikes) and ended Cactus League play with a 2.65 ERA.

King Felix

A First for Wedge:
Manager Eric Wedge was ejected with two outs in the sixth inning by minor league umpire Seth Buckminster (HP) for arguing balls and strikes. It was a first for the skipper during his career as a manager in spring training play.

Happy Birthday Jaime:
Jaime Navarro, the Mariners bullpen coach, celebrated his birthday today. As with all of our coaches, we won’t mention which birthday it was. A nice birthday cake was brought in for his birthday and enjoyed by the team and staff. He also got a nice Happy Birthday serenade from Mariners front office members Jan Plein, Hallie Larson and Debbie Larsen.

What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (20-11) complete the Arizona portion of their spring training schedule tomorrow traveling to Mesa to play their final game against the Cubs at HoHoKam Stadium. The Cubs will move into a new training facility in 2014. Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0, 3.60) will make his sixth and final spring appearance (5th start) against Cubs right-hander Carlos Villanueva. The game will be broadcast by 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network.

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The Mariners beat the Reds 16-0 on Monday at Goodyear Ballpark.

Monday, March 25, 2013 / 7 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 14 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)

Game Recap:
Catcher Jesus Montero went 3-for-3 with a grand slam and 6 RBI and right-handed pitcher Brandon Maurer turned in 5.0 scoreless innings to lead the Mariners to a 16-0 victory over the Reds Monday at Goodyear Ballpark. The Mariners tied their spring highs in runs scored and hits, with five players recording multi-hit games. First baseman Justin Smoak continued his torrid spring going 2-for-2 with a double, 3 runs scored, 3 RBI and 2 walks. In 16 Cactus League games Smoak is batting .431 (22×51) with 11 runs scored, 8 doubles, 4 home runs and 14 RBI (1.297 OPS). Michael Saunders, Smoak and Montero combined to go 8-for-9 with 2 HR and 11 RBI Here is a box score from MLB.com.

Home Run Record:
The home runs by Jesus Montero (Grand Slam in the 5th inning) and Michael Saunders (solo HR in the 4th) both homered, giving the Mariners a MLB leading and spring club record 52 home runs. The old Mariners record was 51 home runs in 32 games in 1999. The Mariners have homered in 28 of the 29 spring games, and are averaging 1.79 HR per game.

Maurer Power:
Brandon Maurer turned in another solid outing, this time striking out seven batters in 5.0 shutout innings. The right-hander is now 3-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 22 strikeouts in six Cactus League appearances (3 starts). And since we have been getting asked a lot more, Maurer’s last name is pronounced like the Twins catcher, Joe Mauer.

Loe Added to Roster:
Right-handed reliever Kameron Loe was added to the 40-man roster today, which means he is a shoe-in for the Mariners Opening Day roster. Loe has been impressive this spring with 15 strikeouts in his eight relief appearances (13.5 K/9.0 IP).

Just made it official. I'm a Seattle Mariner! What a great group of guys to play with. Crazy psyched for the 2013 @Mariners season!—
Kameron Loe (@KameronLoe) March 25, 2013

Seager at First:
Kyle Seager is used to bouncing between third base and second base during spring training, but he had a weird duty late in today’s game. With the game out of hand, Seager was asked to borrow a glove and play first base. He borrowed Dustin Ackley’s first base glove and played pretty well at first, including turning a double play in the ninth inning.

Seahawks vs. Bengals:
There were a few jokes in the press box about the final score of today’s game, the best probably being that the Seahawks beat the Bengals 16-0, with two touchdowns and a safety.

Tweet of the Day:

The @Mariners have a whopping 52 #SpringTraining homers and routed @Reds 16-0. AL West could be utterly ridiculous this season.—
  (@MLB) March 25, 2013

One Week From Today:
In exactly one week the Mariners will open the 2013 regular season against the Oakland A’s (7:07 pm), and in two weeks the Mariners will host the Houston Astros at Safeco Field in the 2013 home opener (7:10 pm). The Mariners officially break spring camp on Friday, traveling to Salt Lake City for an exhibition game vs. the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Big Day for Catchers Birthdays:
Happy birthday to former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson and future Mariners catcher Mike Zunino!

Dan Wilson isn't the only #Mariners catcher celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday, @Mike_Zunino! http://t.co/yciQK5k0pe—
Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 25, 2013

Cactus League Report:
You can listen to the Cactus League Report tonight from 7-9 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle and Mariners.com. Guests are scheduled to include Jack Zduriencik, Eric Wedge, Felix Hernandez, Brendan Ryan, Jason Bay and Dan Wilson.

What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (19-10) return to Cactus League play tomorrow hosting the Kansas City Royals (21-6-1) at Peoria Stadium (1:05 pm). Right-hander Jeremy Bonderman (2-0, 7.20) is scheduled to appear in his fifth Cactus League game and third start against Royals left-hander Bruce Chen. The game will be broadcast by 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network.

The outfield berm at Salt River Fields were packed as a record crowd of 12,864 took in the Mariners vs. D-backs game.

Sunday, March 24, 2013 / 8 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 15 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)

Game Recap:
Franklin Gutierrez hit a leadoff home run and Kendrys Morales continues his torrid spring with a three-run home run, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Arizona Diamondbacks in an 8-4 loss at Salt River Fields. Starting pitcher Joe Saunders was touched for seven hits and eight runs in 5.0 innings (4 BB, 2 K, HR). Dustin Ackley was the lone Mariner to record a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a double. Here is a box score from MLB.com.

Another Morales HR:
Kendrys Morales hit his sixth home run, a monster 3-run home run in the top of the third inning, to tie Michael Morse for the team lead. Morales has now homered in four of his last five games.

Nearing HR Record:
Franklin Gutierrez (leadoff HR) and Kendrys Morales (3-run HR in 3rd inning) both hit home runs today, increasing the Mariners spring home run total to 50 (most in the Cactus & Grapefruit Leagues). The Mariners are now one homer short of the spring club record set in 1999.

Endy Makes Debut:
Newly acquired outfielder Endy Chavez made his spring debut for the Mariners as a defensive replacement in center field in the bottom of the 8th inning, and doubled off the right-center field fence in his only plate appearance. Chavez was signed this morning as a minor league free agent with an invite to Major League spring training.

Taking His Hacks:
Joe Saunders is only a career .138 hitter (17×123), but he made the most of his chance to swing the bat today going 1-for-2 with a single in the third inning (scored on Morales HR).

Record Crowd at Salt River Fields:
Today’s game featured a crowd sold-out of 12,864, setting a record for Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (18-10) continue Cactus League play tomorrow traveling to Goodyear to face the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Right-hander Brandon Maurer (2-1, 1.20) will make his third spring start (6th appearance) against Reds right-hander Homer Bailey. The game will be broadcast by 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network.

Peoria Stadium

Saturday, March 23, 2013 / 9 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 16 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)

Game Recap:
Justin Smoak (3×5, 2 2B) and Raul Ibañez (3×4, HR, 3 RBI) each recorded three hits, but the Mariners dropped a Cactus League slugfest 10-5 to the Cleveland Indians. The Mariners led 5-4 through five innings, but the Indians pushed ahead with a five-run sixth inning. Starter Blake Beavan allowed 9 runs (8 ER) and 16 hits to record the loss . Here is a box score from MLB.com.

Iwakuma in MiLB Game:
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma started in a minor league game today against the Cincinnati Reds Triple-A affiliate. Kuma allowed 2 runs and 10 hits in 7.2 innings, striking out 5. He faced 32 batters and threw 91 pitches (65 strikes). Iwakuma is scheduled to make his final spring start Thursday vs. the Chicago Cubs in Mesa.

Jason Bay vs. Eric Wedge:
Not sure if there was any wager, but Eric Wedge pulled Jason Bay aside this morning and had a little chat about the big basketball game tonight featuring Wichita State (Wedge’s school) vs. Gonzaga (Bay’s school). Should be fun to see who has the biggest smile tomorrow morning.

Good luck to @ZagMBB tonight. #GoZags http://t.co/Mg1w1MJLkW—
Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 24, 2013

Spread of the Spring:
The clubhouse lunch today was catered by the Havana Café, and drew rave reviews from the players and staff.  Black beans, rice, plantains, Cubano sandwiches, yuca frita were all on the menu.

Montero is OK:
Jesus Montero left today’s game in the top of the second inning with a head contusion after being hit on a follow through by Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. Montero did not suffer a concussion, but as the below picture shows, he had quite the welt.

Jesus Montero left today’s game with a head contusion.

What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (18-9) continue Cactus League play tomorrow traveling to Scottsdale to face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Left-hander Joe Saunders (1-0, 9.45) will make his third spring start (4th appearance) against Diamondbacks left-hander Wade Miley (0-1, 6.75). The game will be broadcast by 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network.

Felix Hernandez turned in a dominating performance. (AP Photo)

Friday, March 22, 2013 / 10 Days ‘til Opening Night (April 1 at Oakland) / 17 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Houston)

Game Recap:
Felix Hernandez struck out 9 batters in 6.0 scoreless innings, including 6 straight at one point, and minor league shortstop Chris Taylor hit a go-ahead two-run single in the 8th inning to lift the Mariners to a 3-1 win over the Padres. Felix retired the last 13 batters he faced in a dominating Cactus League start. Catcher Kelly Shoppach hit his first home run to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead, becoming the 22nd Mariner to hit a homer this spring. The Mariners improved to 18-8 with the win, tying for the third-most spring wins in club history. Here is a box score from MLB.com.

Kelly Shoppach rounds the bases after his first Cactus League homer. (AP Photo)

Happy Birthday Michael:
Outfielder Michael Morse celebrated his 31st birthday today.

Happy Birthday, @SEA_Beast38! http://t.co/CP2B337rkF—
Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 22, 2013

King Felix:
Felix Hernandez turned in a solid start tonight vs the Padres, allowing just two hits in 6.0 scoreless innings. Felix struck out nine batters, and did not walk a Padre in his third Cactus League start. After allowing a pair of hits in the second inning, he retired the final 13 batters he faced.

He Looks Ready:
Felix Hernandez will be the Mariners Opening Day starter April 1 vs. the Oakland A’s. If all goes as planned, this will be King Felix’s sixth career Opening Day start (2007, 2009-2012), which will tie Randy Johnson for the club record. Felix is 3-0, 1.59 ERA (7 ER, 39.2 IP) with 33 strikeouts in his five career Opening Day starts. LHP Brett Anderson will start for the A’s.

End of the Night Games:
The Mariners played their third straight night game, and the fourth of the spring, tonight. The remaining six Cactus League games and one exhibition game vs. the Rockies, will all be day games. And all seven remaining games will air live on the radio, with tomorrow’s game and the exhibition game March 30 televised by ROOT Sports.

Tweet of the Day:

Chris Taylor coming up clutch with a big 2RBI single in the big league game to put the mariners up 3-1! #roommate #stud @UVABaseball—
Steven Proscia (@Prosh19) March 23, 2013

‘Gold’en Nugget:
Mariners broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith will become a more frequent contributor to the blog, and today he shares some tidbits he has learned about Kyle Seager’s swing.

If you take a look at Kyle Seager’s swing today compared to a year ago, you’ll notice two major differences. Seager, who is the first to say that his swing evolved over the course of last season, got a tip from first base coach Mike Brumley.

“He came to me one day and suggested I start with the bat resting on my shoulder.” Prior to that suggestion, Seager’s stance involved bobbing the bat above his back shoulder. “By resting the bat, it allows me to start my swing from the same place every time, making it more repeatable.”

Seager also changed what he does with his leading leg. He now takes a softer front step, compared to hiking his foot inches off the ground before each swing. Seager said that these two changes “make my swing more compact and make me quicker to the ball.”

With these changes in place by the end of last season, the Mariners third baseman hit a season-best .296 in September with a .472 slugging percentage. It will be exciting to see how these adjustments, combined with a successful full season under his belt, carry over in to 2013.

A look at Kyle Seager’s setup at the plate.

Arthur Lee Rhodes:
A day after Kenji Johjima visited camp, the Mariners had another surprise visit today in Peoria. This time longtime left-handed relief pitcher Arthur Rhodes stopped by to say hi to some old teammates (Morse, Ibañez, Felix) and front office staff. Rhodes had a 20-season Major League career with nine different teams including five seasons with the Mariners (2000-03 & 2008). He still ranks third in club history with 312 relief appearances.

One Week From Today:
Hard to believe this is already the 38th day of spring training, and in exactly one week, the team will have broken camp and left Arizona for their exhibition game vs. the Rockies in Salt Lake City.

Photo of the Day:
MLB.com datacaster Patrick Lagreid (and former KOMO employee) provided this photo of the day.

Peoria Stadium

What’s on Tap:
The Mariners (18-8) continue Cactus League play tomorrow hosting the Cleveland Indians in an afternoon game at Peoria Stadium. Right-hander Blake Beavan (1-0, 3.86) will make his fourth spring starts (5th appearance) against Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir (0-0, 0.00). The game will be televised on ROOT Sports and broadcast by 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network. The game will also be televised by MLB Network (subject to blackout in local areas, check your local listings).

Instagram photo of King Felix waiting to take the mound. (@peoriasportscom)