What awaits the Mariners on Friday is exactly what the Cactus League schedule summoned up Thursday for Kansas City — playing a split-squad doubleheader with several key players still away on duty in the World Baseball Classic.
The Mariners took advantage by sprinting to a big early lead, thanks to three Royals errors, before coasting their way to a 9-2 victory at Surprise Stadium.
Chase De Jong worked four strong innings before three relievers closed out the victory with five shutout innings. Outfielder Boog Powell served as the designated hitter and went 3-for-4 in leading a 13-hit attack.