Mike Zunino homers, but Rockies edge Mariners 3-2

PEORIA, Ariz. – Mike Zunino crushed his first homer of the spring, but it wasn’t enough for the Mariners in a 3-2 spring training loss to the Rockies on Tuesday.

Seattle starter Mike Leake pitched four innings, giving up three runs on five hits with two strikeouts. Leake threw 48 pitches and worked at his usual brisk pace. He gave up two runs in the third inning. Following a leadoff single from Daniel Castro, Rockies rightfielder Mike Tauchman pulled a ball into the right field corner. Mariners rightfielder Cameron Perkins picked up the ball and tried to fire it home. But the ball slipped in Perkins’ fingers and he spiked it straight into the warning track with such fury that it bounced high into the air and into the stands. Tauchman was awarded home.

“That was a five-story spike,” joked Leake.

Leake also allowed a solo homer in the fourth inning on a 2-0 pitch to Tom Murphy that proved to be the difference.

Art Warren, one of the Mariners’ top relief pitching prospects, made his Cactus League debut after dealing with some issues. Warren worked a scoreless frame, allowing two singles but striking out three batters. His fastball was clocked at 95-97 mph.

Fellow relievers James Pazos, Chasen Bradford, Dan Altavilla and Casey Lawrence also pitched scoreless innings. Mariners relievers struck out 12 batters in the game.