March 22--The summary
Kris Bryant appeared for the first time since Monday and hit two home runs Saturday to lead a 16-hit attack in a 12-10 victory over the Mariners at Sloan Park. Bryant had a two-run homer in the first inning off former Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez, and then ripped a curveball for a three-run homer off journeyman Kevin Correia. Bryant also drew a walk in the third.
At the plate
Second baseman Javier Baez batted in the leadoff spot in an effort to get him out of a 3-for-30 rut and hit Hernandez's second pitch for a single to left field. But Baez also struck out twice. Addison Russell, replacing injured shortstop Starlin Castro, hit a two-run homer in the third.
On the mound
Left-hander Eric Jokisch, starting in place of left-handed ace Jon Lester, allowed a game-tying home run to Nelson Cruz in the third.
In the field
Bryant showed no lingering effects of right shoulder fatigue by making strong throws after handling four grounders flawlessly. However, center fielder Dexter Fowler lost a ball in the sun and right fielder Jorge Soler botched a line drive that accounted for three unearned runs in the third.
Key number
28. Cubs home runs hit this spring.
The quote
"I didn't know what (Hernandez) had, but as you establish patterns, you try to get into the swing of things and you know how they're going to pitch you." -- Bryant
Up next
Vs. San Diego, 3:05 p.m. Sunday at Sloan Park. RH Jason Hammel vs. RH James Shields.
-- Mark Gonzales
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