Two games into the spring, the Mariners partook in a “Cactus League Special” with the visiting Cubs in a game where runs were frequent, hits were aplenty and mistakes were common. The two teams combined for 28 runs on 30 hits with 18 pitchers used in the 3 hour, 45 minute marathon.
Perhaps it was a sign of things to come when Mariners starter Marco Gonzales couldn’t get out of the first inning, giving up five runs on two hits with three walks and a strikeout. Gonzales served up a three-run homer to Josh Phegley that ended the inning.