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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink 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)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (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.