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Tuesday, May. 06, 2008
Mariners spring update
By THE NEWS TRIBUNE
CHRIS CARLSON/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Seattle’s Wladimir Balentien is forced out by Kansas City’s leaping Alberto Callaspo, top, as shortstop Tony Peña Jr. sprawls on the ground behind the bag during the Royals’ 8-3 victory Friday in Peoria, Ariz.
A return to day baseball for the Mariners was nearly perfect with warm, sunny conditions and temperatures in the 80s. Peoria Stadium had a large crowd for a Friday with 11,684 people.
The Game
Royals 8, Mariners 3
“We didn’t play very well,” Mariners manager John McLaren said. “I think we were a little flat.”
Kansas City took a 2-0 lead in the first inning as Alex Gordon hit a two-run home run. The Royals added another run in the second and Guillen’s two-run homer in the third to go up 5-1. They pushed the lead to 7-1, adding two runs following a two-out error by Adrian Beltre.
Seattle’s two runs off Meche came on Wladimir Balentien RBI single in the second and Mike Morse’s RBI double in the seventh. Balentien and Morse led the Mariners with two hits each.
Notable
• J.J. Putz and Felix Hernandez are scheduled to throw in a minor league game today at 10:30 a.m. instead of pitching against American League West rival Texas. Carlos Silva will also pitch in a minor league game Sunday instead of facing the Los Angeles Angels.
• Guillen had plenty of hugs and handshakes for his former teammates and coaches. After fighting the flu the past week, Guillen said he’s on his way back, as only he can.
“I don’t want you guys to worry about me,” he said. “Jose Guillen will be fine. I know what I need to do to get ready for the season. I’m a hard worker. I always work my butt off. What you see is what you get. I’ll be ready.
• The Mariners said there are tickets available for the March 31 season-opener against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field.
