Mariners’ split squads earn two wins over A’s, Angels

Zach Vincej hit a three-run triple in the ninth inning, and the Mariners won a split-squad game against the Athletics 4-1 in Mesa, Arizona.

The Mariners broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the ninth against A’s reliever Ryan Buchter. Seattle loaded the bases with one out on pinch-hit singles from Joe DeCarlo and Anthony Jimenez and a walk from Michael Marjama. Zach Vincej cleared the bases with a triple to center field to score the go-ahead run and a few insurance runs.

Art Warren got the save, working around a lead-off walk by getting a one-out double play to end the game. Four Seattle pitchers — starter Casey Lawrence, Shawn Armstrong, Anthony Misiewicz and Warren — combined to hold Oakland to two hits.

In the other game, Marco Gonzales gave the Mariners an outstanding start with 5 2/3 shutout innings while Mike Zunino, Daniel Vogelbach and Kyle Seager all homered in a 7-0 win over the Angels in Peoria, Arizona. Gonzales and relievers Juan Nicasio, James Pazos and David Phelps combined to shut out the Angels. The four pitchers combined to allow just three hits — all singles — with one walk and six strikeouts.

Pazos worked two scoreless innings, allowing one hit. Nicasio worked just 1/3 of an inning and will pitch again on Sunday in scheduled back-to-back outings.

The Mariners got plenty of offense, blasting three homers in the game. Mike Zunino gave Seattle a 2-0 lead, smashing a two-run shot off the batter’s eye in center field off of Angels starter John Lamb. The red-hot hitting Daniel Vogelbach continued his torrid spring, launching a solo homer to right off of the lefty Lamb. Kyle Seager checked in with his first homer of the spring — a solo shot over the bullpen in right field.

Vogelbach went 1-for-3 in the game with a walk. He’s now hitting .400 (16 for 40) with a .529 on-base percentage, an .850 slugging percentage, six doubles, four homers, 10 RBI and 10 walks in 15 games.