The Seattle Mariners battled back from a two-run deficit in the ninth inning to force an 8-8 tie against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Connor Joe ignited the comeback with a two-run homer off right-hander Ben Sears, sending the ball to left-center field. Victor Labrada kept the momentum going by reaching base with a single, putting the Mariners in position to take the lead, though efforts from Jackson Reetz and Brock Rodden fell short.
Strong Performances on the Pitching Mound Highlighted by Bryan Woo
Relievers Andrés Muñoz and Eduard Bazardo combined for scoreless innings late in the game, with Muñoz showcasing a 101-mph fastball to strike out Bobby Witt Jr. Bazardo followed, allowing a single to Salvador Perez but successfully fanning Lane Thomas. Bryan Woo made his long-anticipated first spring start, pitching in the first and second innings without completing either frame. In his debut, Woo delivered 17 pitches in the opening inning, striking out Maikel Garcia with a changeup but also giving up doubles to Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino before finishing the inning with a groundout from Perez. Returning in the second inning, Woo threw nine pitches and retired the first two hitters before turning the mound over to a reliever.
I think spring training can be a little bit of a trap,
Woo said.
Like you come in and try to feel stuff out and you are trying new things. The good thing for me is I’m not coming in with new pitches or anything like that. The more that I can just get in and compete, get ahead, fill up the zone as much as I can and then execute with two strikes — the earlier that I can start doing that and be aware of those things, then the better.
Brennen Davis Continues Impressive Spring at the Plate
Outfielder Brennen Davis extended his strong spring showing by going 3-for-3, including a two-run homer and two doubles that landed in the gaps. Once considered a Top-100 prospect consistently ranked between 2020 and 2023, Davis has faced persistent injuries, limiting him to fewer than 75 games each season over the past four years. After signing with the Mariners as a minor league free agent in the offseason, the 26-year-old is proving his resilience and potential at the plate.
Expert Analysis on Bryan Woo’s Performance and Potential
Dan Wilson, reflecting on Woo’s outing, noted the pitcher’s solid command and pitch selection.
I think (Bryan Woo is) in a good spot. I thought his fastball today was pretty good, and he went to it a lot and felt pretty comfortable with it. He was backing that up with a good slider. Sometimes we see him trying to feel for that slider, but it really looks like he’s right where he wants to be with that. And when he can use that good heater and that slider together, that’s when he’s most dangerous.
Upcoming Mariners Matchup and Pitching Schedule
The Mariners will return to action at the Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday afternoon to face the Cleveland Guardians. Right-hander Bryce Miller is slated for his first spring start of the season. Seattle’s pitching roster for the game will also include Cooper Criswell, Casey Legumina, Ryan Loutos, Cole Wilcox, Domingo Gonzalez, and lefty Robinson Ortiz. Cleveland plans to start left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo. First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m., with live streams available on mariners.com and the MLB.TV app. Radio coverage will also be broadcast on Seattle Sports 710-AM on tape delay, alongside live audio on mariners.com and the MLB app.
Significance of Woo’s Spring Debut and What Lies Ahead
Bryan Woo’s spring start reflects both the challenges and promise within Mariners’ pitching depth as the team navigates a cautious yet hopeful rebuilding phase. His measured approach to refining command and mixing pitches early in the season adds a vital layer of optimism for Seattle’s roster. As the Mariners progress in spring training, continued contributions from players like Woo and Davis will be critical as they compete to secure regular-season roles. The upcoming game against the Guardians offers another chance to evaluate pitching prospects and assess team readiness heading into the 2024 MLB campaign.
Ref to the gap! #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/uTC2UB9d2J
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 25, 2026
Andrés Muñoz dials it up to 100.5 mph for a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr. to cap his outing here in the 3rd inning in Surprise. pic.twitter.com/kP9VvulHwB
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) February 25, 2026
Felnin Celesten adds another 🙌 pic.twitter.com/XCTTrQLepx
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 25, 2026
Joe knows ball. pic.twitter.com/vlRAr3OtlM
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 25, 2026
