Pence Homers In Giants' Spring Loss To Mariners
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Hunter Pence hit a two-run homer in his first spring game for San Francisco, but Hisashi Iwakuma threw three scoreless innings to lead Seattle to a 5-4 win on Friday.
"To me it's special to go out and play," Pence said. "I waited a long time. I got to move around a little bit and I got a lot of enthusiasm from the fans. I had to be careful because I was a little over-amped. It was pretty cool."
Iwakuma allowed one hit, struck out four and walked one.
Giants right-hander Jeff Samardzija went four innings in his third start of the spring. He gave up three runs and six hits.
Leonys Martin, Stefen Romero and Franklin Gutierrez each drove in a run for the Mariners.
Joel Peralta retired his first 11 batters this spring before giving up a two-out double to Buster Posey and Pence's homer in the fourth.
STARTING TIME
Mariners: RHP Hisashi Iwakuma was happy with his fastball, though he wants to continue to minimize the number of pitches he throws.
"I don't want to get into three-ball counts," Iwakuma said through an interpreter. "There are things like that I need to work on."
Iwakuma struck out four, including Denard Span twice, in three innings and walked one. Through five spring innings, he's faced one batter over the minimum.
"My fastball was pretty sharp," he said. "I was able to locate it and it felt like I could throw it harder. I just want to keep my pitch count low."
Giants: RHP Jeff Samardzija is just looking to get his work in and doesn't necessarily worry about results. He said he's been working with Buster Posey on keeping his slider down.
"Sometimes it was a little too down," Samardzija said. "You just keep crossing things off the list and make sure your feeling physically fit. It feels good right now."
THE HUNTER RETURNS
Giants outfielder Hunter Pence made his spring debut and hit a home run in his second at bat.
"I thought I had two good at bats," Pence said. "I worked deep counts and only swung at good pitches. I felt comfortable at the plate."
Pence suffered an Achilles injury during a running drill, something that still puzzles him.
"I might have caught my foot on something, I don't even know," Pence said. "It was `what the heck?' I'm elated to be able to play."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Mariners: RHPs Evan Scribner and Ryan Cook (back) are not close to pitching in a game and LHP Danny Hultzen (shoulder) has been shut down for the time being. ... 1B Adam Lind (back) has been limited to 10 at bats this spring and OF Guillermo Heredia (ankle sprain) may return to action this weekend. ... LHP Charlie Furbush (shoulder) is hoping to pitch in a game soon.
Giants: RHP Matt Cain (cyst removed) threw 15 pitches off a mound Thursday and remains on track to open the regular season in the rotation.
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