Alcantara, Romero Lead Mariners to Comeback Win Over Rangers

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The ACL Mariners (34-23) erased an early three-run deficit with another timely offensive surge, defeating the ACL Rangers (25-32), 8-4, Saturday morning at the Surprise Stadium Complex. Seattle collected 14 hits, led by a four-hit performance from Kelvin Alcantara, while the bullpen delivered five steady innings to secure the club’s second consecutive victory.

The Rangers struck first with two runs in the opening inning after consecutive singles and a Mariners throwing error created an early opportunity. Texas added another run in the second inning, building a 3-0 advantage before Seattle’s offense found its rhythm.

The Mariners answered in the third inning.

Diego Contreras and Nick Becker opened the frame with back-to-back singles before Yorger Bautista ripped a two-run triple into right field, cutting the deficit to one. Leandro Romero followed with an RBI single to tie the game, and Kelvin Alcantara lined another run-scoring single later in the inning to cap a four-run rally and give Seattle its first lead of the day.

Roberto Perez helped settle the game after entering in relief during the second inning. The right-hander worked four innings, allowing two runs while scattering seven hits and striking out three. Perez repeatedly limited damage, giving Seattle’s offense the opportunity to take control.

The Mariners broke the game open in the fifth.

Contreras drew a leadoff walk before Becker doubled into left field. Bautista reached on a fielder’s choice that brought home Contreras, and two batters later Romero launched a three-run homer to left field, extending Seattle’s led to 7-4.

Seattle added its final run in the sixth when Bautista walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Alcantara’s RBI double.

Ruben Ramirez earned the victory after recording the final out of the second inning, while Alan Carpinteiro followed with two scoreless innings of relief. Caleb Franzen closed the door over the final two innings, allowing one run while striking out three to earn his second save of the season.

Alcantara paced the Mariners’ offense by going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Romero finished 2-for-4 with his fifth home run of the season and three RBIs, while Bautista drove in two runs with his third-inning triple. Dalton Davis added three hits, and Contreras collected two hits and an RBI as Seattle finished with 14 hits.

The Mariners continue their season Tuesday with a matchup against the ACL Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.

POSTGAME NOTES

• Seattle earned its second consecutive victory and improved to 34-23.
• The Mariners now hold a one-game lead over the ACL Royals in the ACL West with three games remaining.
• Kelvin Alcantara finished 4-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs.
• Leandro Romero hit his fifth home run of the season and drove in three runs.
• Yorger Bautista recorded his fourth triple of the season and drove in 2 runs.
• Roberto Perez tossed 4.0 innings, allowing 2 runs while striking out 3.
• Caleb Franzen picked up his second save of the season.