Mariners rap 14 hits in Felix's spring debut
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Although Mariners veteran Felix Hernandez and White Sox prospect Michael Kopech drew much of the attention in Tuesday's Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch, it was rookie outfielder Mitch Haniger and Seattle's offense that did the damage in an 8-1 victory.Haniger's three-run homer in the first off
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Although Mariners veteran
Haniger's three-run homer in the first off the hard-throwing Kopech highlighted a 14-hit day for the Mariners, who improved to 3-1 this spring. Haniger went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
"It's definitely good to get the timing going and get synced up right," said Haniger, who is expected to start in right field this season after being acquired from the D-backs. "I was just trying to hit the ball hard. Today felt a lot better. I'm making progress."
Kopech, a 20-year-old acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, was touching 100 mph on scout's radar guns but surrendered four runs on three hits and a walk in his one-inning debut. He left a slider up to Haniger on the home run and also gave up an RBI double to
Hernandez, gearing up for his 13th season with the Mariners, tossed two innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits in a 33-pitch outing. Rookie
Mariners shortstop
Shortstop
Mariners Up Next: Drew Smyly, acquired in a trade with the Rays, makes his first start in Wednesday's 12:05 p.m. PT game against the Indians in Goodyear. Closer
White Sox Up Next:
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Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB, read his Mariners Musings blog, and listen to his podcast.