Seattle Mariners Game Recap: M’s “Cruz” Past Rangers

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a three run home run during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners (9-8-2) dominated the Texas Rangers (7-10-3) on Sunday afternoon in Peoria. James Paxton (1-0, 0.00 ERA) made his first start of the spring, and he shook off some early rust to pick up his first victory. Yovani Gallardo (0-1, 11.32 ERA) was touched up for six runs across 4.2 innings, and was credited with the loss for Texas.

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The Mariners hung three runs on the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the first inning on Sunday afternoon. Robinson Cano nursed a two out walk to keep the inning alive, then Nelson Cruz looped single into right field to put runners on the corners. Kyle Seager put a beautiful swing on a Yovani Gallardo offering, and crushed an opposite field home run to left-center field. Seager’s blast was of the three run variety, and gave the M’s an early 3-0 lead.

The M’s added to their lead in the bottom of third inning. Following a one out walk, Robinson Cano singled on a hard hit ground ball through the left side of the infield. Nelson Cruz connected on a mammoth three run blast to center field. The home run was a no-doubter, and put the Mariners on top 6-0.

Nelson Cruz sparked another rally in the fifth inning following a one out walk. After a Kyle Seager force out, Logan Morrison doubled on a line drive to left field to plate Cruz from second base. LoMo’s two bagger gave the Mariners a 7-0 lead. Morrison came around on a Dustin Ackley double. The M’s took a commanding 8-0 lead into the sixth inning.

Everything went right for the Mariners on Sunday, and the outcome was never in doubt. The pitching staff did an amazing job shutting down the Rangers’ bats. James Paxton hurled 3.1 shutout frames this afternoon, striking out two and allowing five hits. David Rollins, Danny Farquhar, Carson Smith, and Dominic Leone all combined to pitch 5.2 shutout innings with six punch-outs.

The entire box score can be found here. 

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