SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Mariners took advantage of some early defensive miscues by the Royals to take a quick lead Thursday, and they kept building it, scoring in five of the first six innings en route to a 9-2 win.
Chase De Jong pitched four solid innings for the Mariners, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out one. He is slated to start the season at Triple-A.
"I wish I would have gotten … more leadoff hitters out. … But I battled well, kept myself in some pretty good counts, made some pitches when I was behind," De Jong said.