Seattle Mariners Game Recap: Zunino Homers Twice in Tie

Mar 5, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws in the first inning during a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Roenis Elias allowed 1 earned run across four innings of work on Friday afternoon in Surprise. Elias allowed five hits and walked two, but fanned five Rangers. Elias lowered his spring ERA to 3.86 following today’s performance.

Roenis Elias was tested early on Friday afternoon. Elliot Johnson led off the bottom of the first by hitting a triple to left field. Elias struck out a pair of Rangers and induced a ground ball to second baseman Shawn O’Malley to end the threat. Elias did a great job of refocusing himself after the leadoff triple and retiring the next three batters to strand Johnson at third base.

The 26-year-old had the curveball working this afternoon, and that was his primary strikeout pitch. It will be tough for Elias to catch Taijuan Walker for the final spot in the Mariners’ starting rotation, but the Guantanamo native has pitched well this spring. Elias will likely start the season in Tacoma, but if the injury bug bites one of the M’s starters, he should be the first man called up to fill in.

Next: Zunino Goes Yard X2