Mariners Game Recap: Cano Powers the Mariners to Victory over the Cubs

Mar 27, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits a two run home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits a two run home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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12. 62. Final. 9. 9

The Seattle Mariners extended their wining streak to four games on Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs with the help of a power display from Robinson Cano.

The Seattle Mariners (14-12-2) beat the Chicago Cubs (8-17-1) 12-9 on Sunday afternoon in Mesa, AZ. James Paxton (2-1, 10.80 ERA) was credited with his second win of the spring, and Jason Hammel (2-1, 5.12 ERA) was tagged with the loss for the Cubbies. Steve Cishek allowed a run to score in the ninth, but closed the door to earn the save.

Lefty James Paxton had a rough afternoon in Mesa, AZ.  He allowed 7 runs on 9 hits, 3 of which were home runs,  3 walks and zero strikeouts in 4 innings pitched to raise his ERA from 9.00 to 10.80.  Paxton allowed a leadoff home run to Dexter Fowler in the first inning and after giving up a double and a walk settled down.  He began to coast in the second inning as he had a 1-2-3 inning.  But the third inning the wheels began to fall off as he gave up a leadoff walk to Mark Zagunis and then a home run to Jason Heyward.  Then with two outs and a chance to get out of the jam he gave up a three run home run to Addison Russell.  Kris Bryant singled in Mark Zagunis in the fourth as Paxton was able to get out of a bases loaded jam by getting Addison Russell to fly out.

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The Mariners got on the board right away on Sunday afternoon, getting two runs in the first inning on a two run blast to right center by Robinson Cano that scored Ketel Marte. In the fourth inning Dae-ho Lee singled to left and Luis Sardinas and Nori Aoki walked.  Ketel Marte then hit a line drive off of the short stop Addison Russell’s glove for a two run double.  Robinson Cano followed with a three run home run to left field to give the Mariners a 7-1 lead.

James Paxton would relinquish the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.  But the Mariners weren’t done scoring.  Seth Smith continued to tear the cover off the ball with a two run double in the top of the fifth to give the Mariners the lead again 9-7.

Adam Lind is beginning to heat up as well this spring.  He got into the action with an RBI single in the top of the sixth to score Luis Sardinas.  Then mighty Robinson Cano flexed his muscles in the eighth inning.  He hit a two run blast deep to center field that plated Ketel Marte to round out the scoring for the Mariners at 12.

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Cano homered to all three fields on Sunday afternoon.  Putting everyone on notice that he is healthy and ready to go this spring.  He went 4-4 on the day with three home runs and a single and a walk.  He had 7 RBI’s on the day to lead the Mariners to the win.

The Cubs would go on to score two more runs in the game.  The eighth run would come in the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo home run by Matt Szczur off of Vidal Nuno and a sacrifice fly by Carlos Penalver off of Steve Cishek to score Jacob Rogers.

Steve Cishek was called on to work the bottom of the ninth for the Mariners, and the M’s closer again gave fans a bit of a scare ala Fernando Rodney.  Cishek would allow a sacrifice fly and strand one runner before closing out the game.

Next: How are the Mariners Top Prospects Faring this Spring?

The Seattle Mariners (14-12-2) will host the World Champion Kansas City Royals (12-17) in Peoria, Arizona. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm from the Peoria Sports Complex. Nate Karns (1-1, 6.75 ERA) will have the opportunity to seal the deal on the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Kris Medlen (1-1, 6.57 ERA) will be on the bump for the Royals tomorrow. This game will be broadcast on Root Sports Northwest and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.  Fans can also listen to the game on 710 ESPN.