Mariners Game Recap: M’s and Angels Tie in Tempe

Mar 15, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Cody Martin (57) throws to first base for the out against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Cody Martin (57) throws to first base for the out against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. 62. Final. 4. 102

The Seattle Mariners (7-8) and Los Angeles Angels (7-6) ended in a 4-4 tie on Tuesday afternoon in Tempe, AZ.

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Cody Martin got the start today for the Mariners and he was able to generate great movement on his curveball, but his inability to locate the heater cost him. Yunel Escobar led off the game with a double down the left field line, and Daniel Nava followed with a double of his own to plate Escobar. The 26-year-old right-hander ran into more trouble in the second, but managed to escape without allowing a run. His issues continued in the third inning, as he allowed one run to cross to the plate. Overall, he allowed two runs on six hits while striking out two and walking one across three innings.

Justin De Fratus took over for Martin in the fourth inning, and the veteran right-hander allowed one run on three hits while issuing one free pass through two innings of work. Donn Roach was electric this afternoon, striking out six and blanking the Angels in the sixth, seventh and eighth inning. Jonathan Aro‘s poor spring continued today, as he blew the save opportunity in the ninth for the M’s.

The Mariners scored their first run of the game thanks to a two-out rally in the top of the first inning. Stefen Romero sliced a line drive into fight field for the M’s first hit, and Kyle Seager extended the inning by singling to left field. Dae-ho Lee came through in the clutch, plating Romero on a single to left field.

Chris Taylor led off the second inning with a double down the left field line, but the M’s were unable to take advantage. Boog Powell had a terrible at bat, failing badly on both of his bunt attempts before striking out looking. Dan Robertson popped out to shortstop and Leonys Martin flied out to center field to end the inning. In general, the Mariners have done a much better job this spring of situational hitting, and hopefully these kinds of wasted opportunities are few and far between once the games count next month.

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Stefen Romero and Dae-ho Lee were the standout performers with the bat this afternoon for the Mariners. Romero went 3 for 4 to raise his batting average to .480. Lee went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI today against the Halos. Romero and Lee are competing with Jesus Montero for the chance to platoon with Adam Lind at first base. It’s too close to call right now, but Romero is making a really strong case to exit Arizona on the M’s opening day roster.

Dan Robertson had yet another strong showing for the Mariners on Tuesday. The diminutive outfielder won a great battle with Joe Smith in the fourth inning, driving in a pair of runs on a two-out triple. The 30-year-old Oregon State alum is tearing the cover off the ball this spring, as he is hitting .529 and has driven in 7 runs for Seattle.

Dario Pizzano connected on a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to give the Mariners 4-3 lead. The 24-year-old top prospect has struggled this spring, but hopefully his first Cactus League home run will get him going. Pizzano was dominant last season with the Jackson Generals, and he will likely open 2016 back in Jackson.

Next: Nobody is Hotter than Dan Robertson Right Now

Looking ahead, the Seattle Mariners (7-8) will welcome the San Francisco Giants (6-9) to Peoria on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm from the Peoria Sports Complex. Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0, 0.00 ERA) will be on the bump for the M’s, and Jeff Samardzija (0-1, 5.00 ERA) will get the ball for the Giants. Tomorrow’s game will be broadcast live on Root Sports Northwest, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.