The Seattle Mariners dropped a 9-4 decision to the Texas Rangers at Peoria Stadium on Sunday in spring training play. Despite Cole Young's 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI effort at the plate, the Mariners could not overcome a sizable deficit. Logan Gilbert worked 2.2 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits. The Rangers out-hit the Mariners 14-6 on the day. 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
Cole Young was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two 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.
Spencer Packard provided support, going 1-for-2 with two RBI, Victor Robles also contributed, going 1-for-3, and Brennen Davis chipped in, going 1-for-2 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Michael Helman led the Rangers offense with a 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI day. Cameron Cauley also contributed, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Aaron Zavala added a 3-for-3 with a triple and an RBI effort as well. The Rangers offense proved to be too much for the Mariners pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Logan Gilbert got the start, struggling with his command, working 2.2 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 44 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 4.7 innings of work, allowing 8 earned runs while striking out 12. 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, Gabe Mosser stood out with 1.1 innings of 5-run 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 first inning. Rangers countered with a run in the third. Rangers plated seven runs in the sixth. Rangers added a run in the seventh. The Mariners responded with two runs in the eighth. The Rangers were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Rangers out-hit the Mariners 14-6, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 6,730 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.
