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Four Takeaways From Seattle Mariners 6-3 Loss Against Milwaukee Brewers
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- Four Takeaways From Seattle Mariners 6-3 Loss Against Milwaukee Brewers
MARYVALE, Ariz. — The Seattle Mariners were unable to hold on to an early multi-run lead and fell 6-3 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at American Family Fields in Maryvale, Ariz.
It was a disappointing end to a game that started well for the Mariners . But, there were several developments that could have long-term (positive) ramifications for the regular season.
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Here's four takeaways from Seattle's game against Milwaukee:
Convicted George
In his first Cactus League start since Feb. 24 (he pitched in a minor league game on an off-day March 2), George Kirby struck out two batters, walked one and allowed one earned run on two hits in three innings pitched.
It was a solid outing for Kirby, who got great use out his expansive arsenal, including a changeup (which Statcast mistakenly labeled a splitter) and a cutter (which was mislabeled as a four-seam fastball).
"I think (the cutter) is just a great option to get in on guys' barrels," Kirby said after his start Sunday. "Kind of when they're really sitting on a heater or a good way to set up the curveball or changeup, splitter — whatever it might be — down in the zone."
Beyond his solid start, Kirby's choice in equipment also drew conversation.
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Kirby was sporting a PitchCom device on his belt against the Brewers. According to Kirby, he used the PitchCom 8-to-10 times throughout his stsart. He threw 55 pitches total.
Kirby said he still plans to let his catchers, such as current Team USA participant and 2025 All-Star Cal Raleigh , call games. But having the device and the option to take matters into his own hands helps with his confidence and conviction, something that Kirby said he wanted more ownership of.
"My least favorite conversation is 'I didn't really want to throw that pitch,'" Mariners pitching coach Pete Woodworth said after the game. "'Why didn't you shake?' 'The clock was running,' whatever it may be. Having the PitchCom on you, he's not calling the whole game. But it gives him the empowerment to give his opinion when he wants to."
Right-handed power for Rivas
Last season, middle infielder Leo Rivas found a level of power that was missing from his game. He hit his first two career major league home runs last season and 12 total including his time with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
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Both of the switch-hitter's homers in the big leagues have come from hitting left-handed.
Sunday, Rivas notched his first right-handed home run while wearing a Seattle uniform — a 441-foot, two-run shot in the top of the second inning that gave the Mariners a 2-0 lead.
"Leo — he's got some pop in there, we've seen it," Seattle manager Dan Wilson said after the game. "He's had some big at-bats for us. We've seen it a little bit left-handed but some big pop right there (right-handed). Very good, aggressive swing, saw the pitch well and put a really good swing on it, drove it. Always really good to see that from Leo and a day he can build on right-handed for sure."
Davis keeps crushing
Former top 100 prospect Brennen Davis has made a huge impact on both sides of the ball in his first spring with the Mariners and that trend continued Sunday.
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Davis went 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI on Sunday. His lone hit was a memorable one: A 464-foot, 115.8-mile-per-hour solo homer in the top of the sixth.
Davis currently leads MLB this spring with eight total extra-base hits and is tied for the lead with four home runs.
"He's certainly taken advantage of (his extra opportunities)," Wilson said. "He's getting in there a lot, he's swinging the bat. He's getting a lot of opportunities because of (the World Baseball Classic), but he's in a good place. I think he's playing to who he is as a player and not trying to go out of that. He's being very true to his identity."
Look out for Zulueta
There are few spots on the major league bullpen to go around for the relievers still on the roster bubble. But 28-year-old right-hander Yosver Zulueta is making a strong case to earn one.
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Zulueta made his fourth Cactus League appearance this spring against Milwaukee. For the fourth time, he posted a scoreless outing. He struck out three batters and allowed one hit in one inning pitch.
This spring, Zulueta has allowed two combined hits, issued two combined walks and has fanned six.
"He attacks the zone," Wilson said. "I thought he had a really good slider again today and that's something that's a weapon for him. Able to freeze some guys with the heater, as well. He's got the good mix there and I thought, again today, he was effective. He keeps putting up those 'zeroes' and that's always a good thing."
Up next
Seattle will play the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m. PT on Monday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. Bryan Woo will start for the Mariners.
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