Mariners Showcase Roster in 10-inning Loss to Giants
Today was Meet the Mariners Day in Peoria. Winning the first game of the Cactus League was secondary to giving players time on the field, which showed as the Giants won 8-7 in 10 innings. The Mariners put plenty of players on the field in this 3 hour 45 minute 10-inning marathon. 21 fielders and 9 pitchers, including Kenn Kasparek and Anthony Vasquez who weren't even listed on the spring training roster. Vasquez finally retired the Giants in the top of the 10th dodging a shattered bat for a heads-up double play.
There were a few bright spots for the day. Adam Moore, Casey Kotchman and Matt Tuiasosopo all looked good at the plate today. Dustin Ackley drove in a run in his brief pinch hit performance in the 10th. While Doug Fister had a rocky first inning, he did manage to strike out 5 in his 2-inning appearance. Michael Saunders looked solid in his stint in center field, although his most memorable event of the day was when his bat slipped out of his hands and struck a fan. While this was a limited outing, Chone Figgins looks like he's settling into second base nicely, demonstrating his ability to throw to first on the run. Jose Lopez didn't get any chances to really test his fielding at third today, as all the chances at third came while Tuiasosopo was on the field.
