Mariners notes: Mitch Haniger homers, Robbie Ray solid in club debut as Seattle edges Twins in opener
The Mariners’ home run leader last season is the Mariners home run leader again one game into 2022.
Moments after the season began Friday afternoon in Minnesota, Seattle right fielder Mitch Haniger crushed a fastball from Joe Ryan several rows back in the left center seats.
The two-run shot, which also scored Ty France, gave Haniger home run No. 1 of the season, building on his club-high 39 from last summer.
It also gave the Mariners the offense needed to pace the club to a win on Opening Day, 2-1, over the Twins at Target Field.
Haniger, now in his sixth season with the club, and the longest-tenured Mariner following the departure of longtime third baseman Kyle Seager last season, finished 1-for-4 with the run scored and game-winning two RBI in the win.
Left fielder Jesse Winker, an All-Star last season who the Mariners acquired in a trade with the Reds earlier this spring, collected a pair of base hits in his club debut, while France and catcher Cal Raleigh also added singles.
But it was Haniger’s blast in the first that proved just enough to end the afternoon with a victory.
The Twins sent the potential winning run to the plate three times in the ninth following a Luis Arraez single to open the inning, but didn’t score again, Winker catching the final fly ball from Gary Sanchez up against the wall on the warning track.
The win continues Seattle’s recent trend of prevailing in one-run contests. The Mariners finished 33-19 in one-run games last season, which led the majors.
RAY SOLID IN M’S DEBUT
Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray earned a win in his first outing as a Mariner.
Ray, who signed a five-year, $115 million deal with the Mariners in November, completed seven innings against the Twins, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five and walking four on 96 pitches.
Minnesota’s only run was a Gio Urshela home run to left center in the fourth on a curveball low in the strike zone.
This was the first Opening Day start for Ray, who is entering his ninth season in the majors after stints with the Tigers (2014), Diamondbacks (2016-20) and Blue Jays (2020-21).
CRAWFORD SIGNS EXTENSION
J.P. Crawford is set to be the Mariners’ shortstop for years to come.
Friday morning, the club announced it has signed the 27-year-old to a five-year extension, which goes through the 2026 season.
“I love Seattle,” Crawford told reporters at Target Field ahead of the season-opener. “I’ve loved it ever since I put on the jersey for the first time. I’ve really wanted to stay here ever since then, so I’m really happy for this opportunity.”
Crawford is entering his fourth season with the Mariners after spending the first six seasons of his career in Philadelphia’s system.
He was drafted by the Phillies in first round (No. 16 overall) in 2013, and debuted with the big league club in 2017.
Following 72 games in the majors there across two seasons, Crawford joined the Mariners ahead of the 2019 season in the trade that sent former shortstop Jean Segura and pitchers Juan Nicasio and James Pazos to Philadelphia.
After beginning his career with the Mariners at Triple-A Tacoma, he has been an everyday player in Seattle’s lineup since midway through the 2019 season.
During the shortened 2020 season, he became a Gold Glove Award winner, and last season, posted the best offense numbers of his career, hitting .273/.338/.376 with 37 doubles, nine homers and 54 RBI.
“J.P. brings excellent defense at a critical position, in addition to solid on-base skills and a penchant for delivering in the big moment,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.
“He’s an incredibly competitive player who has become an integral part of our team, both on the field and in the clubhouse.”
SHORT HOPS
▪ Mariners top prospect Julio Rodriguez made his big league debut in the opener after being named to the 28-man roster earlier this week.
The 21-year-old outfielder started in center for the Mariners, becoming the fourth-youngest player in history to start for the club on Opening Day.
▪ Two returners from last season’s stellar bullpen — right-handers Paul Sewald and Drew Steckenrider — tossed scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth to close out the win.
▪ The Mariners have set their pitching probables for the rest of the four-game series, with right-hander Logan Gilbert scheduled to pitch on Saturday, left-hander Marco Gonzales on Sunday and right-hander Chris Flexen on Monday.
This story was originally published April 8, 2022 at 5:48 PM.
