Cubs power way past Mariners

LAS VEGAS – Aramis Ramirez and Michael Barrett each had two-run homers to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Seattle Mariners 8-5 Friday night.

Ramirez and Barrett, who each went 2 for 4, both hit line-drive homers down the left-field line. Barrett hit his in the top of the third inning off Seattle starter and losing pitcher Miguel Batista, and gave the Cubs a 4-1 lead.

Ramirez’s homer an inning later off George Sherrill put Chicago ahead 7-1.

It was his eighth of the spring as Sherrill gave up three runs in one inning.

Also for the Cubs, Derrek Lee had two RBIs, including a run-scoring triple in the fourth as Chicago had 14 hits to the Mariners’ eight.

Jose Guillen and Adrian Beltre each had two-run homers for the Mariners. Batista was hit hard, lasting three innings, allowing seven hits, four runs (three earned) and two walks. Batista was pitching on three days’ rest after being hit by a line drive off his ribs against Texas on Monday.

“Main concern – I was healthy,” said Batista. “I hit my spots most of the time. They had a good game plan. They fouled off some good pitches. They hit some good pitches. Physically, I wanted to pass the test.”

Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly earned the win going four innings, allowing five hits and three runs. The left-hander allowed Guillen’s homer to deep left.

Rocky Cherry pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.

Chicago scored a first-inning run as Alfonso Soriano doubled down the left-field line and scored on Lee’s sacrifice fly. Cesar Izturis (2 for 3) had an RBI double in the second for the Cubs.

Richie Sexson and Ichiro Suzuki each went 2 for 4 for the Mariners.

Notes

The teams are playing a two-game series at Cashman Field, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate. Seattle left-handed pitcher Horacio Ramirez is scheduled to start against right-hander Jason Marquis. There were 11,562 in attendance. … The Cubs are 4-0 against the Mariners in spring training. … Both teams are off Sunday and start the regular season Monday. … Felix Hernandez will be the M’s starting pitcher while Oakland starts Dan Haren at Seattle on Monday.

Soriano struggles

Alfonso Soriano’s transition to center field has been a rough one this spring, as befits a player who has spent most of his career at second base.

Asked before the game how much Soriano has improved from the start of spring, Cubs manager Lou Piniella replied: “We’re going to find out (at the opener) in Cincinnati and into the start of the season.”

Though Soriano’s bat is the reason the Cubs shelled out $136 million for his services, his defense has been suspect. Soriano has a tendency to be much less aggressive on balls near the wall.