France & Kelenic Record Multiple Hits in 8-5 Loss at Chicago-NL

Marco Gonzales made his 3rd start of the spring for Seattle

MESA, Ariz. — The Mariners continued Cactus League play this afternoon, falling 8–5 to the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. Ty France and Jarred Kelenic led the way for the Mariners on offense, each notching 2 hits in the contest.

The Mariners opened the scoring the top of the second inning using a triple by Cal Raleigh, followed by a balk by Chicago starter Drew Smyly to take an early 1–0 lead.

The Cubs scored their first runs of the game in the bottom of the third inning, using single followed by a 2-out sun-double and another single to plate 2 runs. The runs marked the first of the spring surrendered by Mariners starter Marco Gonzales, having opened Cactus League play with 9.0 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Mariners evened the game, 2–2, in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Jose Caballero that scored Jarred Kelenic from third base. However, the tie did not last long as the Cubs mounted a 2-out rally in the bottom of the frame that resulted in 4 runs and a 6–2 lead in favor of Chicago.

Mariners 2021 first round draft pick Harry Ford made his Cactus League debut as a pinch hitter in the 6th inning, but went down on strikes.

Seattle mounted an eighth inning rally that resulted in 2 runs, but the comeback effort ultimately fell short as the Cubs held on to win 8–5.

Seattle returns home tomorrow night to Peoria Stadium where they will take on the Cleveland Guardians in a 6:40 pm first pitch. Right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen is scheduled to get the start for Seattle, while the Guardians are expected to counter with right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale.