Mariners Game Recap: Cano, Walker Lead M’s Past Halos
Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) slaps hands with first baseman Logan Morrison (20) after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners took it to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday afternoon in Peoria. Taijuan Walker (3-0, 0.36 ERA) was superb once again, and notched his third victory of the spring. Nick Tropeano (0-1, 4.41 EAR) was saddled with the loss for the Halos. Dominic Leone recorded his second save of the spring after thwarting the Angels comeback in the 9th.
Matt Joyce got the Angels on the scoreboard first today in the top of the 2nd inning. Joyce launched a solo home run that hit high off the batters eye in center field. Joyce’s dinger was his second of the spring, and gave the Halos a 1-0 lead.
The Mariners took the lead in the bottom of the 4th. Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz led off the frame with back-to-back singles. Kyle Seager plated Cano by singling on a ground ball to center field. Seager’s single tied the game, but the M’s were not finished there. Following a Logan Morrison strikeout, Mike Zunino hit a double to left field to score Cruz and Seager. Seattle took a 3-1 lead into the 5th inning.
The Mariners added to their lead in the bottom of the 7th inning. Mike Zunino led off the frame with a bang, as he crushed the first pitch of the inning over the fence in left field. The homer was Zunino’s seventh of the spring, and gave the M’s a 4-1 lead after 7.
Robinson Cano joined the party in the bottom of the 8th inning on Monday. Robby crushed a sinker that did not sink to deep right-center field for his first home run of the spring. The long ball was of the solo variety, and gave Seattle a 5-1 lead heading to the 9th inning.
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The Angels made it interesting in the top of the 9th inning. The Mariners called on veteran southpaw Charlie Furbush to shut the door in the final frame, but he was not up to the challenge today. Speedy outfielder Daniel Robertson hit a line drive to left field, and advanced to second base following a throwing error by Justin Ruggiano. Third base prospect Kaleb Cowart tripled home Robertson on a fly ball to center field. D’Arby Myers plated Cowart on a single to right field. Myers’s single chased Furbush from the game, and he was replaced Dom Leone, who proved more effective.
Thankfully, that was all the Halos could muster on Monday, and the M’s held on for a 5-3 win. Today’s win put a halt to the Mariners’ 5-game losing streak.
Click here for the full box score.
Next: Tai Walker is Unhittable Right Now
Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Add the Los Angeles Angels to the list of teams Taijuan Walker has dominated this spring. Walker allowed just 1 run on 3 hits across 7 innings on Monday afternoon in Peoria. Walker struck out 5 Angels, and did not issue any free passes. Matt Joyce’s home run was the lone blemish on what was otherwise an outstanding outing from the 22-year-old right-hander.
Taijuan Walker entered camp locked in a battle with Roenis Elias and Erasmo Ramirez for the final spot in the Mariners’ starting rotation, but Walker’s unbelievable performance this spring made Lloyd McClendon’s decision an easy one. Walker’s scoreless inning streak was broken this afternoon at 19, but he has only allowed 1 run across 25.0 innings pitched. The Yucaipa, CA product has tallied 24 punch-outs, and he has allowed just 4 walks.
Walker is the Mariners fifth starter, and I have high hopes for him in 2015. If he can carry over his success from this spring into the regular season, he could easily be an All Star this year.
Next: Mike Zunino is White Hot!
Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) celebrates a home run with designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) and second baseman Robinson Cano (22) against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Zunino has had a phenomenal spring training, and he had yet another outstanding game on Monday. Not only did he call a great game for Taijuan Walker, but he also went 2 for 3 with a double, home run, and 3 RBI’s. Zunino lead the way offensively for the Mariners on Monday afternoon in Peoria.
The M’s backstop has been the best hitter on the club in Cactus League action. He has mashed at the dish, hitting .354 with 7 home runs and 13 RBI’s across 48 at bats. His 7 dingers are good for second in baseball this spring, and is nearly 1/3 of the 22 home runs he hit in 2014. Zunino made some minor adjustments to his mechanics in the offseason, and thus far he has reaped the rewards.
Zunino has the look of a young man who has figured out how to hit big league pitching. I expect Zunino to make his first All Star appearance in 2015, and become a force in the bottom third of the Mariners’ lineup.
Next: Robby Cano Hits 1st Home Run
Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) salutes fans after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson Cano has had a great spring for the Mariners, but he might have had his best game on Monday afternoon against the Angels. Cano went 2 for 4 with a home run, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Cano hit the ball hard today, and his home run was the first of the spring for him.
Robinson Cano was the difference maker for the Mariners in 2014, and based on his performance this spring, it appears he will once again pace the M’s offense in 2015. Cano is hitting .364 with 1 home run, 5 doubles, 7 RBI’s, and 1 stolen base across 44 at bats. As always, Robby has been silky smooth on defense at the keystone.
I am hoping for a career year from Cano in 2015 with Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager hitting behind him. I expect the C & C boys to lead the M’s back to the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
Next: Looking Ahead
Mar 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws the ball during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners will travel to Goodyear, AZ on Tuesday afternoon to take on the Cleveland Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PST from Goodyear Ballpark. Felix Hernandez (0-2, 5.91 ERA) will toe the rubber in his final spring start. Bruce Chen (1-1, 5.00 ERA) will be on the hill for the Tribe on Tuesday. Tomorrow’s game can be heard locally on 710 ESPN. Most experts believe Seattle and Cleveland are the top two teams in the American League, so tomorrow’s game should serve as an opportunity for the clubs to feel each other out.
Next: Could The Mariners Be Playoff Bound in 2015?
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