At Peoria Stadium on Saturday, the San Diego Padres defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-1, powered by center fielder Jackson Merrill’s first career home run. Merrill contributed significantly with a two-hit performance, reinforcing his promising start in spring training as he continues to adjust at the plate.
Key Offensive Contributions Highlight Padres’ Win
Jackson Merrill, now 3-for-8 with two walks through five spring games, showcased his developing power with his initial homer. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, representing the Netherlands and playing his final game before heading to the World Baseball Classic, went 1-for-3 with a two-run double, marking his first extra-base hit of the spring, though he also struck out twice. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth added to the early scoring with a double and a run scored, his first double of this spring season.
Other contributors included catcher Freddy Fermin, designated hitter Miguel Andujar, and left fielder Nick Solak, each recording singles in three at-bats. Solak’s double marked his third of the spring. Additionally, Nick Schnell delivered a pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning, driving in two runs and recording his second homer of the spring campaign.
Strong Pitching Performance Anchors Padres’ Defense
On the mound, left-hander JP Sears rebounded from a tough opening start with three solid innings, allowing only one run on three hits and a walk while benefiting from groundball double plays in crucial moments. His command improved, throwing 23 of 34 pitches for strikes despite surrendering a homer to Luke Raley in the second inning.
Right-handed pitchers Mason Miller from the USA and Alek Jacob of Italy each made their final spring appearances before leaving for the World Baseball Classic. Miller impressed with a fastball reaching 102.4 mph and struck out two of the three batters he faced in a scoreless inning, while Jacob retired all three hitters he faced. Right-handers Jeremiah Estrada and Bradgley Rodriguez struck out two each in scoreless frames, and Ty Adcock also contributed a scoreless inning.
The bullpen remained strong post-Sears, not allowing a base runner until left-hander Kyle Hart conceded a single in the ninth inning. Hart then struck out the following batter before inducing a game-ending double play involving Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, sealing the Padres’ victory.
Managerial Adjustments and Team Outlook
Bench coach Randy Knorr served as acting manager for the second consecutive game, standing in for Craig Stammen, who is temporarily absent to attend his sister’s wedding. Stammen is expected back for Sunday’s game. The Padres outhit the Mariners 9-4 in overall offensive production. With this win, San Diego now holds a 4-5 record in Cactus League play.
Upcoming Matchup Against Giants to Feature Marquez and Gonzales
Looking ahead, right-hander German Marquez is slated to start Sunday’s 12:05 p.m. spring training contest against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale. The Giants will counter with left-hander Marco Gonzales, promising a competitive pitching matchup to continue the Padres’ preparation for the regular season.
