The Seattle Mariners dropped a 7-6 decision to the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Stadium on Tuesday in spring training play. Despite Patrick Wisdom's 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI effort at the plate, the Mariners could not pull even when it mattered. Bryan Woo worked 2.1 innings on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs on 2 hits. Both clubs finished with 10 hits apiece in a closely contested battle. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Patrick Wisdom was the top performer at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Mariners confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Rhylan Thomas provided support, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, Spencer Packard also contributed, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, and Brennen Davis chipped in, going 1-for-1. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Jeimer Candelario led the Angels offense with a 2-for-2 with a home run, a double, and two RBI day. Yolmer Sánchez also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI. Nick Madrigal added a 1-for-3 with an RBI effort as well. The Angels offense proved to be too much for the Mariners pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Bryan Woo got the start, struggling with his command, working 2.1 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 2 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 48 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Mariners evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 5.5 innings of work, allowing 5 earned runs while striking out eight. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Domingo Gonzalez stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
The Mariners struck first, scoring two runs in the second inning. Angels countered with two runs in the third. Angels plated two runs in the fourth. The Mariners answered with a run in the fourth. The Mariners tacked on two runs in the fifth. The Mariners pushed across a run in the sixth. Angels struck back with three runs in the ninth. The Angels were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Both teams finished with 10 hits apiece, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 4,870 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Mariners were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.
