We know how the story is supposed to end. In October 2020, maybe 2021, we'll watch Yusei Kikuchi step to the mound to start the Mariner's first ever World Series game. That's how the Kikuchi narrative, which began today with his first start in spring training, is supposed to end... at least in our dreams. And dreams are what spring training is all about anyway, isn't it?
Nothing happened in Peoria today to, in any way, dash those hopes. Not yet. He pitched very well, hit 95, moved the ball around, dealt with a jam, the result of of poor fielding. He gave up two runs, neither of them earned, and looked like a major league pitcher. I loved that fastball (slider?) a little up and inside.
A promising preview of things to come.
Along with that good news, it was exciting to see Encarnacion rip a line-drive double off the left field fence, soon followed by a sky-high home run from Domingo Santana. Even more satisfying was the home run crushed by a healthy (finally!) Kyle Lewis.
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