In a competition, be it a sport, a race, an election, anything, whoever is leading is in control. The set the tone, the pace, and the target that everyone else is trying to hit. It’s a desirable position, but it’s not easy to maintain.
The Mariners started Logan Gilbert on the mound, and while he perhaps wasn’t regular season ready, struggling to hit his target on occasion, the two innings he put in, walking one and striking out three, were impressive for the start of spring training.
On the hitting side, starters Josh Rojas, Taylor Trammell, and Mitch Haniger all performed well, stringing together competitive plate appearances and taking opportunistic swings.