Sunday, March 9, 2014

Peoria Stadium TEXAS RANGERS (2-6-2) vs. SEATTLE MARINERS (9-3)

Game #13 Home #6

TODAYS GAME INFORMATION

Starting Pitchers: RHP Colby Lewis (0-0, 27.00) vs. RHP Felix Hernandez (1-0, 0.00) 1:05 pm Radio: 710 ESPN Seattle/Mariners.com TV: None
SPRING RECORD
Overall Record................................... 9-3 PEORIA STADIUM............................. 4-2 Home Record.................................... 3-2 Road Record..................................... 6-1 Current Streak................................... W2

TODAYS TILTthe Mariners (9-3) continue their 38th spring training today with an afternoon game vs. the Texas Rangers (2-6-2) at Peoria Stadiumtoday marks the 13th game of a 33-game Cactus League schedule for the Mariners that will conclude March 28-29 with a pair of exhibition games vs. the Rockies in ArizonaRH Felix Hernandez (1-0, 0.00) will start todays game vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (0-0, 27.00).

PROBABLE PITCHERS (subject to change)

TODAY: Mariners vs. Rangers 1:05 pm 710 ESPN (live) TEX Lewis, Tepesch, Cotts*, Frasor, R. Perez*, Burns SEA Hernandez, Rodney, Miner, Luetge*, Wilhelmsen, Bawcom, Gillheeney, Kohlscheen MONDAY: Mariners vs. Royals 1:05 pm KC Shields, Walters, Bueno*, Crow, Rauch SEA Maurer, Medina, R. Ramirez MONDAY: Mariners at D-backs SEA Paxton*, Hill*, Smith ARI Corbin*
* left-handed pitcher

THE COUNTDOWN
22 days to Opening Day, 3/31 at LAA 30 days to Home Opener, 4/8 vs. LAA

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
March 10.................. Kansas City (1:05) @Arizona (7:10) March 11....................@LA Angels (1:10) March 12.................. Chicago-NL (7:05) March 13........................@Arizona (1:10) March 14..................... @Colorado (6:40) March 15........................ San Francisco March 16....................@LA Angels (1:10) Bold - Peoria Stadium

7:10 pm

710 ESPN (live)

RECENT RESULTS
March 4............................ W, 4-1 at LAD March 5............................L, 5-8 vs. CLE March 6...........................W, 7-4 at CWS March 7.......................... L, 9-10 vs. CIN March 8.............................W, 18-3 at SF ......................................... W, 8-5 at LAD

HAPPY KING FELIX DAYFelix Hernandez makes his second spring start today vs. the RangersFelix earned the win in his first Cactus League start vs. the Dodgers on March 4, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings (2 H, BB, K). BIG DAY AT THE PLATEin two games yesterday, the Mariners combined for 26 runs and 28 hits, including 11 extra-base hitsdrilled 6 home runs between the two games, with two vs. the Giants (Miller & Saunders) and four vs. the Dodgers (Montero-2, Romero & Smoak)the 18 runs scored vs. the Giants are the most by Seattle in a Cactus League game since also scoring 18 runs in a 18-2 win over the Dodgers on Feb. 27, 2009. ACK ATTACKleft fielder Dustin Ackley went 3-for-4 with a double and triple in yesterdays win vs. the GiantsAckley has recorded a hit in 6 of 7 games this spring, and is batting .500 (10x20) with 4 runs scored, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 9 RBIamong Cactus League leaders, ranks 3rd in RBI, T3rd in doubles and T2nd in total bases. RED HOT ROMEROoutfielder Stefen Romero is 4-for-10 (.400) with a double, 2 triples, a home run and 2 RBI over his last 3 games. NO W IN RAMIREZ?Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 1.04) and Ramon Ramirez (2-0, 8.31) have recorded 4 of the Mariners 9 wins this springErasmo threw 4.0 scoreless IP vs. the Giants yesterday. MONTERO SWINGING ITfirst baseman Jesus Montero has recorded three consecutive multihit games, including going 2-for-4 with 2 home runs last night vs. the Dodgersover the last three games Montero is batting .600 (6x10) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 5 RBI. MINER ON STRIKEOUT BINGErelief pitcher Zach Miner has struck out 5 of the last 6 batters he has facedMiner has recorded 6 strikeouts in his 3 Cactus League appearances, leading the team in strikeouts (T6th-most among Cactus League relievers). BRING ON THE SENIOR CIRCUITthe Mariners improved to 7-1 vs. National League teams with wins over the Giants (18-3) and Dodgers (8-5) yesterday in split-squad action. PITCHING DOMINATIONthe pitching staff has combined for a 3.17 ERA (37 ER, 105.0 IP), the 2ndlowest in the Cactus League (CLE - 2.77)here is a look at the pitching breakdown:
Category W-L-S ERA G IP H R ER HR BB SO Overall 9-3-5 3.17 12 105.0 91 48 37 7 32 65 Starter 5-0-0 2.27 12 31.2 26 12 8 2 7 15 Reliever 4-3-5 3.56 12 73.1 65 36 29 5 25 50

BY THE NUMBERS

.500 9-3 14 16 55

Dustin Ackley was 3-for-4 with a 2B and 3B today vs. the Giants, and is batting .500 (10x20) with 4 2B and 9 RBI in 7 Cactus League games.

The Mariners are the only team to record 9 wins so far in spring training play.

The Mariners lead all teams (Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues) with 14 home runs.

Seattle is tied for the spring training lead with 16 stolen bases (with MIL).

Players currently on the Spring Training roster (37 roster + 18 non-roster).

THE ROSTER
The spring roster is currently at 55 players after making 13 roster moves Wednesdaythe current roster includes 26 pitchers (11 nonroster), 5 catchers (2 non-roster), 13 infielders (3 non-roster) and 9 outfielders (2 non-roster).

EVERYDAY JAMESoutfielder James Jones has played in 9 of the 12 games so far, and is batting .273 (6x22) with 5 runs scored, 1 home run and 4 RBIhe leads the team playing in 47.0 innings this springhe is also is T8th in the Cactus League with 5 runs scored. CONGRATS ERICRangers broadcaster Eric Nadel is the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence for the 2014 seasonhe will be honored as part of Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown, NY in July. SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ON SALEsingle-game tickets for the 2014 season are currently on salehighlights of the 81-game home schedule include Opening Night (Tuesday, April 8 vs. Los Angeles Angels), Beard Hat Night, Turn Back The Clock Night, Bat Night, Lou Piniellas induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame, three postgame fireworks shows, and a host of other special events and giveaways (available at this link mariners.com/promotions)tickets will be available without a service charge at the Safeco Field Box Office and Seattle Mariners Team Stores. HEY RICK, DID YOU KNOW?that the Mariners lead all teams (Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues) with 14 home runs?went into yesterdays games with 8 home runs in the previous 10 games, but exploded for 6 home runs between the two games yesterday12 different players have hit home runs, with Brad Miller and Jesus Montero tied for the team lead with a pair of home runs.

ON THE AIR
Todays game will be broadcast live on ESPN 710 SeattleRick Rizzs (29th season with the Mariners), Aaron Goldsmith (2nd season with the Mariners) and Mike Blowers (8th season with the Mariners) will call todays action from the Peoria Stadium Press Box27 of the 33 spring games will be broadcast on 710 ESPN Seattle.

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX 15707 N 83rd Ave (P) 623.776.4800 (F) 623.776.4829 www.mariners.com @Mariners

2014 SPRING TRAINING GAME NOTES MARCH 9, 2014 VS. TEXAS RANGERS

TODAYS STARTING PITCHER -- #34 FELIX HERNANDEZ (RHP)

YEAR TEAM W-L ERA G GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO 2013 SEATTLE 12-10 3.04 31 31 0 0 204.1 185 74 69 15 46 216 2014 SPRING 1-0 0.00 1 1 0 0 2.0 2 0 0 0 1 1 MLB Totals 110-86 3.20 269 269 23 9 1824.2 1669 722 648 145 526 1703

2014 Spring Training: 1-0, 0.00 in 1 GS this spring: won 3/4 at Dodgers in Cactus League debut (2.0,2,0,0,1,1). Went 12-10 with a 3.04 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 31 starts in his 9th Major League season in 2013. Four-time All-Star (2009, 2011-13) and 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner. Recorded five consecutive seasons of at least 200 strikeouts and 200.0 innings pitched. Over last five seasons (since 2009), has the most quality starts (124) and 2nd-lowest ERA (2.85) in the Majors. Since 2009, has combined to go 71-50 with a 2.85 ERA in 165 startsaveraging 8.6 K/9.0 IP during this span. Threw the 23rd (and most recent) perfect game in MLB history Aug. 15, 2012 vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

#56 Fernando Rodney (rhp):

ALSO SCHEDULED TO PITCH

2014 Spring Training: 0-0, 9.00 in 1 G...allowed 1 ER in 1.0 IP in spring debut 3/6 at CWS. Signed by Seattle as a free agent on February 13, 2013. went 5-4 with 37 saves and a 3.38 ERA (25 ER, 66.2 IP) in 68 relief appearances with Tampa Bay in 2013. Over the last two seasons with the Rays he combined to record 85 saves with a 1.91 ERA in 144 relief appearances (76 in 12, 68 in 12)during this two-year stretch, he ranked 2nd among AL relievers in saves and ERA, while ranking 3rd in appearances. In 12 Major League seasons with the Tigers (2002-2009), Angels (20010-11) and Rays (2012-13), is 29-44 with 172 saves and a 3.70 ERA in 563 career relief appearances. In 2012 he finished 5th in the BBWAA AL Cy Young voting, recording 48 saves and a 0.60 ERA (5 ER, 74.2 IP), the lowest by a relief pitcher in Major League history (min. 50.0 IP).

#83 Zach Miner (rhp):

2014 Spring Training: 0-0-1, 0.00 in 3 G & has retired all 9 BF: SV #1 w/1-2-3 9th 3/6 at CWS (2 K)...1.0 ShO IP w/3 K 3/3 vs. COL... retired all 3 BF (1 K) in 1.0 ShO IP 2/28 at SD. Began the season with AAA Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organizationmade 16 appearances with the Phillies, including 3 starts. Made his Phillies debut Aug. 3 vs. Atlantawas his first ML appearance since Oct. 6, 2009 vs. Minnesota (with DET). Missed the entire 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, performed May 28, 2010 by Dr. Lewis Yocum. From 2006-2009, Miner appeared in 157 games (35 starts) with the Tigerscombined to go 25-20 with one save and a 4.24 ERA. Originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2000 June Draft.

#54 Tom Wilhelmsen (rhp):

2014 Spring Training: 0-0, 6.75 in 3 G: 1.0 ShO IP 3/6 at CWS (1 H, 2 K)...charged w/3 R, (2 ER) when SEA couldnt turn DP 3/2 at CLE... retired all 3 BF (1 K), 2/27 vs. SD. Went 0-3 with 24 saves and a 4.12 ERA in 59 appearances in 2013 in his third Major League season. Recorded 24 saves before moving into middle relief role in early August. Ranks 8th in Mariners history with 53 career saves. Opened season 11-for-11 in save opportunities with a 0.50 ERA (1 ER, 18.0 IP) April 1-May 16, but posted a 5.71 ERA (26 ER, 41.0 IP) with 28 walks in 42 appearances beginning with first blown save May 20 at Cleveland. With AAA Tacoma from Aug. 5-31, going 0-1, 10.50 ERA in 8 G.

#44 Lucas Luetge (lhp):

2014 Spring Training: 0-0, 7.36 in 3 G: charged w/blown save 3/5 vs. CLE (1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR)...1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K 3/2 at CLE...struck out 2 in 1.0 ShO frame on 2/27 vs. SD (1 BB). Went 1-3 with a 4.86 ERA (20 ER, 37.0 IP) in 35 games over three stints with the Mariners last season. Went 0-0 with 1 save and a 4.35 ERA (15 ER, 31.0 IP) in 22 games with AAA Tacoma. In two Major League seasons (2012-13), held left-handed batters to a .219 batting average with 4 extra-base hits. Acquired by Seattle from Milwaukee in the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 8, 2011originally selected by Milwaukee in the 21st round of the 2008 June Draft out of Rice University.

TOMORROWS STARTING PITCHER -- #37 BRANDON MAURER (RHP)

YEAR TEAM W-L ERA G GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO 2013 SEATTLE 5-8 6.30 22 14 0 0 90.0 114 66 63 16 27 70 2014 SPRING 0-0 4.50 1 0 0 0 2.0 2 1 1 0 1 0 MLB Totals 5-8 6.30 22 14 0 0 90.0 114 66 63 16 27 70

2014 Spring Training: 0-0, 4.50 in 1 G: allowed 1 ER in 2.0 IP 3/5 vs. CLE (2 H, 1 BB). Went 5-8 with a 6.30 ERA (63 ER, 90.0 IP) in 22 games/14 starts in his first MLB season in 2013. In 14 starts went 3-8, 6.20 ERA and in 8 relief appearances was 2-0, 6.64 ERA. Over final 3 starts in September went 1-0 with a 2.60 ERA (5 ER, 17.1 IP) with 17 strikeouts. Last season, became the first Mariners pitcher since 1993 to make the Opening Day rotation without pitching at Triple-A (last: Mike Hampton and John Cummings). Pitched for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League (1-2, 5.95 ERA, 6 G/GS).