PEORIA, Ariz. — Paul Konerko and Marcus Semien homered for the Chicago White Sox, who overcame Robinson Cano’s four RBI in a 7-6 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday.
Semien hit a three-run drive as part of a five-run second inning. Konerko added a two-run shot to back Erik Johnson, who allowed three runs and four hits over six innings in his final start of the spring. Johnson struck out four and walked three.
Cano went 2 for 4 with a three-run double in the seventh. After bolting the Yankees for a $240 million, 10-year contract with Seattle, the All-Star second baseman is batting .465 this spring.
“He turned it up a little bit with the bases loaded,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. “Really got his hands in nicely and put a nice swing on it.”
The 23-year-old Semien, who showed promise during a September call-up last season, has a major league roster spot all but clinched. He could start the season opener at second base if Gordon Beckham isn’t ready due to injury.
“My goal in the offseason was to make the team,” Semien said.
The White Sox put together five consecutive hits off starter Blake Beavan in the second. A two-base error by right fielder Michael Saunders opened the door for Chicago, as Konerko scored the first run. Alexei Ramirez drove in a run with a single, Tyler Flowers singled and Semien cleared the bases.
Seattle trailed 7-3 in the seventh, but Mike Zunino’s single and back-to-back walks issued by reliever Donnie Veal brought up Cano with the bases loaded. Cano doubled before Veal retired the next three hitters.
Mariners reliever Charlie Furbush struck out all four batters he faced.
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