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. 

Next: James Paxton Makes Spring Debut

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

James Paxton was on the bump for the first time this spring on Sunday afternoon in Peoria. Paxton looked a little rusty in the early going today, but he managed to keep the Rangers off the scoreboard. The Rangers had runners on the corners with just one out in the first inning. However, Pax danced out of danger by inducing an inning ending double play ball. The first two Rangers reached on singles in the second, but once again Paxton tiptoed out of trouble. Jazzy James looked much more comfortable in his third inning. Pax froze Mitch Moreland on a beautiful low fastball for the final out in the inning. The 26-year-old southpaw pitched stronger as the game went on.

The Ladner, BC product had an impressive debut season in 2014, and all indications point to him improving in the coming year. Health is really the only question mark with Paxton. If he can stay healthy, he will have a long and productive career. Look for Pax to get two more starts before the team heads north. In his next outing he will likely throw 70-75 pitches, and hopefully last five innings.

Next: The Middle of the Order Delivers

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) celebrates with designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) and second baseman Robinson Cano (22) after hitting a three run home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager all combined to pace the M’s offense on Sunday afternoon in Peoria. Following a Cano walk, and a Cruz single, Seager crushed a three-run opposite field home run in the bottom of the first. Cruz hit a three-run homer of his own in the third inning after a Seth Smith walk and a single from Cano. Cruz has now gone deep in consecutive games. All told, the 3, 4, and 5 hitters went 4 for 6 with 2 home runs, 6 RBI’s, and 6 runs scored. Any way you slice it; the heart of the Mariners’ order had a remarkable game.

All three of these gentlemen are having incredible springs thus far. Robby missed some time for personal reasons early in camp, but he is hitting .367 with 3 doubles and 4 RBI’s across 25 at bats. Nelson Cruz signed this winter as a free agent after clubbing a league leading 40 home runs last season with the Baltimore Orioles. Cruz has not disappointed in spring training, and after today’s impressive showing he is hitting .407 with 3 home runs and 7 RBI’s. Kyle Seager was named an All-Star in 2014 and he has excelled this spring, hitting .407 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, and 8 RBI’s.

The middle of the Mariners’ batting order is considered one of the best in baseball, and hopefully that translates to a World Series title in 2015.

Next: David Rollins is the Real Deal

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher David Rollins (73) throws during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The more we see of David Rollins, the more apparent it becomes that he is deserving of becoming the second lefty in the Mariners’ bullpen. Rollins pitched 1.2 scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon in relief of James Paxton. The 25-year-old southpaw did not register a strikeout today, but he allowed just one hit and did not issue any free passes. His fastball consistently hits 92 mph on the gun, and he has allowed just 1 run across 8 innings of work this spring.

David Rollins and Tyler Olson are both making strong cases to be the second southpaw, but Rollins has a slight edge due to his rule 5 status. The Mariners selected Rollins during the rule 5 draft this past December off the Houston Astros roster. Rollins will have to pass through waivers if he is unable to make the M’s this spring, if he clears, which seems unlikely, he would be returned to the Astros. Olson spent 2014 with the Mariners’ triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, and could easily start there again this year. The M’s are going to do their best to find a spot for Rollins on their opening day roster, and I believe he will be the second lefty down in the M’s ‘pen to start the season.

Next: Looking Ahead