SEATTLE — It wasn’t prized offseason acquisition — and $58 million man — Nelson Cruz who had the flashiest Seattle Mariners debut Monday afternoon.
Instead, it was Seth Smith, who made quite the first impression on fans in the 2015 season opener at Safeco Field.
The outfielder, acquired in an offseason trade with the Padres for pitcher Brandon Maurer, went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a triple and two RBI to help lead the Mariners to a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day.
“I don’t think I’ve ever done that,” Smith said.
“When you’re at home at Opening Day it’s special, regardless of where you are. It’s fun. There’s a buzz.”
Smith, who batted second in the order, became the first Mariners player with three extra-base hits in an Opening Day game and the first Seattle player since Richie Sexson in 2005 to have extra-base hits in his first two plate appearances with the team.
“I knew he was a pretty good player, a pretty good hitter,” M’s manager Lloyd McClendon said. “I’ve competed against him in the playoffs in the past and he always did great. We’re very excited to have him.”
The left-handed batter drove in Seattle’s first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI triple off Angels’ starter Jered Weaver and later scored on a single by Robinson Cano. Smith added an RBI double in the fifth before being replaced by Justin Ruggiano in the seventh. Smith’s efforts helped the Mariners win their ninth consecutive season opener.
“(Weaver) definitely knows what he’s doing. He’s been doing it successfully for a long time,” Smith said. “(I’m) just trying not to do too much and hope he gives you one that you can get the barrel to.”
McClendon said he had no thoughts of letting Smith bat in the seventh, with Angels left-handed reliever Cesar Ramos on the mound. With two outs and one runner on base, the right-handed hitting Ruggiano came in and drew a walk before taking over for Smith in right field.
“We had a lead. Ruggiano is a superior defensive player,” McClendon said, “and it was an ideal situation to get (Ruggiano) in there and give Seth a breather against a tough lefty.”
Smith seemed at ease with McClendon’s decision.
“It’s the way it is,” Smith said. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been in that situation. I don’t make decisions like that. I’m here to play and when they tell me to play, I’ll play, and when they tell me I’m not playing anymore, I’m not playing anymore.”
On Monday, Smith was the offensive hero for a Seattle team that has lacked run production in recent years. The M’s are hoping their new-look lineup — featuring Smith, Cruz, and Ruggiano — produces more offensive firepower this season.
“It’s a cool thing to have: to stretch out the lineup is an awesome thing and we’ve got guys who can contribute all over the place,” said left fielder Dustin Ackley, who hit a solo home run in the fifth. “I think that’s what’s going to make us a great team, is that we can hit one through nine.”
“I hope so,” McClendon added. “It’s only one game but, yeah, that’s what we want.”
Seattle starter Felix Hernandez was also appreciative of Smith’s performance. Hernandez, who had a dominant opener, allowing just one run on two hits and striking out 10, has pitched against Smith, and knows what a tough out he can be.
“He’s a great hitter,” Hernandez said. “I’ve faced him a couple times and he’s a good hitter.”
Smith was happy to do all he could to help out his new team, starting pitcher and the fans in attendance Monday afternoon.
“It was my first time playing behind Felix and that was a lot of fun,” Smith said. ““Opening Day is special. They’re all special. You learn to appreciate them and try to enjoy them for what they are. It’s a little bit more than a typical, normal baseball game and you never know how many you’re going to have.”
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