Arizona Fall League Opener Has Certain Mariner Flavor

On Tuesday, Taijuan Walker threw the first pitch for the Surprise Saguaros in the 2014 Arizona Fall League season. He pitched four innings of one run ball. Another Mariners prospect, Patrick Kivlehan, homered in the 3rd inning to give Surprise a 3-0 lead.

But the Saguaros lost 5-4 as yet another Mariners prospect – Stephen Landazuri – allowed three runs on four hits in the 8th.

The game had the feel of a Mariners game of years past. A decent start by the starting pitcher, a little bit of offense and a blown save late in the game.

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But, that’s why these guys are here.

The Arizona Fall League has billed itself as a “Finishing School” for the league’s top prospects. There are six teams with players from five different MLB clubs on each team.

The Mariners players are with the Saguaros, along with players from the Red Sox, Padres, Reds and Rangers.

D.J. Peterson (Double-A Jackson) and John Hicks (Triple-A Tacoma) were both 1-for-3 with a walk in the opener. Peterson with an RBI double.

In the second game of the season, the Saguaros bounced back and won 8-2 over the Peoria Javelinas. Of note, Matt Anderson (Class-A Bakersfield*) pitched an inning of scoreless relief allowing one hit and striking out one.
*- Bakersfield is now the Class-A Advanced affiliate. Anderson played for High Desert in 2014.

We will bring you updates of Mariners minor leaguers playing in the AFL as well as other Winter Leagues, every Monday morning.