Bonderman allows 7 runs, Mariners fall 11-6 to Royals

PEORIA, Ariz. — Cheeseburgers, fist bumps and smiles ruled inside the jovial Kansas City Royals clubhouse after Tuesday’s 11-6 win over the Seattle Mariners.

It’s almost as if the Royals don’t want camp to end. They kept up their prolific offensive production, and in so doing set a club record for spring training wins with 23.

For what it’s worth, Kansas City clinched finishing in first place in the Cactus League standings.

“The key to our success this year is going to be our pitching staff, because we can catch the ball,” manager Ned Yost said. “If they’re throwing strikes, we’re going to be able to make plays and I think we’re going to be able to score runs.”

“It just gives you confidence going into the season knowing that everybody’s ready, everybody’s playing well,” he said.

Kansas City entered the game leading the majors in team batting average, hits, doubles, runs scored and on-base percentage. The Royals recorded 18 hits against Seattle, including seven doubles.

All nine players in the starting lineup got at least one hit, with Brett Hayes getting four hits and driving in two runs.

Hayes boosted his case for the Royals’ backup catcher spot on the major league roster. He’s competing with George Kottaras for the job.

“Really swung the bat well and handled the pitchers nicely,” Yost said of Hayes, who played 39 games for the Marlins in 2012 and hit .202.

Miguel Tejada helped his cause for a utility infielder spot on the roster with his two doubles. He scored two runs, drove in two and started a double play.

“We’re getting down to the end, we’re going to have to make decisions, they’re going to be tough decisions,” Yost said.

The Mariners took a 4-1 lead against starter Sugar Ray Marimon, a minor leaguer.

Franklin Gutierrez, limited to only 40 games last season due to injury, drove in two runs with a double in the third.

Gutierrez also hit a solo home run in the seventh. Michael Morse homered two batters later over the 40-foot high batter’s eye in center field, a shot roughly 450 feet from home plate.

Morse is among the spring training leaders in home runs with seven.

Mariners starter Jeremy Bonderman, trying to make a comeback after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year and not pitching the last two seasons, ran into trouble in the fifth inning.

The Royals tagged him for six runs on seven hits in the inning. He gave up seven runs and 11 hits overall.

Bonderman remains in competition for one of two Seattle starting rotations spots among four pitchers.

“I was throwing the ball well and then gave up some hits, which kind of led to an extended inning. I was rolling along pretty good and then got smacked in the mouth,” he said.

“Definitely the wrong day to have it happen,” he said. “I’ll let them make the decision and see what happens.”

NOTES: Luis Mendoza, Wednesday’s starting pitcher for the Royals against Milwaukee, won the fifth spot in the starting rotation. The team said he’d beaten out Bruce Chen for the slot. Chen worked an inning in relief and loaded the bases with two hits and walk allowed, but escaped the sixth inning without giving up a run. … Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez is scheduled to start Wednesday, then pitch on opening day in Oakland on April 1.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.