Mariners finish spring training with record crowds and Kirby's sharp pitching
The Seattle Mariners wrapped up a strong spring training at home, drawing their highest attendance in years. Over 104,000 fans filled T-Mobile Park for 15 games, with a season-high crowd of 11,029 braving 101-degree heat for the latest match. Pitcher George Kirby delivered a solid performance, helping the team prepare for the upcoming regular season.
The Mariners faced the Cubs in one of their final Cactus League games, with George Kirby taking the mound. After a shaky first inning where he gave up a run, he settled in and held the Cubs scoreless for the next four. His final line showed one run allowed on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
Manager Dan Wilson later praised Kirby's progress, highlighting his improved form after a slow start and his strong connection with catcher Cal Raleigh. The only run for Seattle came in the second inning, when Josh Naylor scored on a pickoff error by Cubs pitcher Colin Rea. The team managed just one run, a sharp contrast to their 20-run outburst the night before. The Mariners will now face the Chicago White Sox in their penultimate spring game on Sunday, with Bryan Woo starting. Fans can watch the match on MLB.TV and mariners.com, or listen live on Seattle Sports 710-AM and the MLB app. Kirby, reflecting on the game, said the crowd's energy had boosted his excitement for the regular season ahead. Overall, the team's home spring games attracted 121,888 spectators—the highest total since 2016.
The Mariners close out their spring schedule with strong attendance figures and a focused pitching performance from Kirby. Their next game against the White Sox will mark one of the final tests before the regular season begins. Fans can follow the action through multiple broadcast and streaming options.
