Royals Top Mariners 9-8

Opening day is a week away, and the Seattle Mariners don't have a regular center fielder yet.
   

Michael Saunders is trying to change that.
   
The leading candidate to go if Franklin Gutierrez isn't ready,
hit a two-run homer, stole a base and scored two runs in the
Mariners' 9-8 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
   
"He's staying in at-bats longer. He's doing a better job of
getting hitter's counts," Seattle manager Eric Wedge said of
Saunders. "The more he continues to play ... the better the
results will be."
   
Gutierrez won his first Gold Glove last season but stomach
problems have limited him to nine games. He's also been scratched
from the lineup due to a sore back, but the stomach issue has kept
him out since March 19.
   
"It's been a tough spring for him," Wedge said. "Still trying