White Sox 8-7 better than Mariners.
The game was relatively competitive for the first 5 1⁄2 innings, with the White Sox offense limited to a Yoán Moncada double by that point. Both teams played well defensively, with the White Sox demonstrating a more professional performance compared to Seattle.
The Mariners’ only significant threat came when Josimar Cousin loaded the bases in the fourth inning, but managed to escape the situation with two strikeouts and a well-placed bloop hit that was effectively fielded by Mike Moustakas at first base, preventing any runs from scoring. Moustakas’s defensive play saved multiple runs and maintained a scoreless game until the bottom of the sixth.
In the sixth inning, the White Sox capitalized on defensive lapses by the Mariners, scoring two runs on RBI singles by Brett Phillips and Eloy Jiménez. However, the lead was short-lived as Chase Solesky surrendered the lead back to the Mariners in the top of the seventh.
The White Sox reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, with Tim Elko and Korey Lee contributing to the offensive effort. Despite a Phillips sacrifice fly extending the lead to 5-2, defensive miscues by the Mariners allowed them to tie the game at 5-5 in the eighth inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, Lee’s single drove in Braden Shewmake, putting the White Sox ahead again. However, the Mariners’ decision to persist with a struggling pitcher allowed the White Sox to extend their lead further. The game continued to feature sloppy play, including two crucial errors by the White Sox defense.
In the top of the ninth inning, Seattle capitalized on defensive mistakes to take a 7-6 lead. In a tense moment, the Mariners’ pitcher struggled with control, issuing three walks in quick succession. Pinch-hitter Edgar Quero ultimately sealed the victory for the White Sox with a key hit.
The win brought the White Sox’s spring record to 1-1, although its significance is minimal in the grand scheme. Notably, top prospect Colson Montgomery experienced both success and setbacks in his debut, striking out in his first at-bat but later drawing a walk.
