Diamondbacks' Pitching Dominates in Close Win Over Mariners

Arizona's pitching staff shines in 3-1 victory over Seattle

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona Diamondbacks' pitching staff put on an impressive performance, earning a 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners in Cactus League play. Right-hander Ryne Nelson set the tone with two perfect innings and three strikeouts, while the bullpen held firm to limit the Mariners to just one run. Offensively, A.J. Vukovich provided the big blow with a three-run homer off Mariners veteran Luis Castillo.

Why it matters

This game showcases the Diamondbacks' pitching depth and development, as both major and minor league arms delivered a dominant outing. It's an encouraging sign for the team's pitching staff heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Right-hander Ryne Nelson was excellent in his Cactus League debut, delivering two perfect innings with three strikeouts and reaching 97 MPH on his fastball. The Diamondbacks' bullpen followed suit, with Taylor Clarke, Joe Ross, Juan Morillo, Landon Sims, and Juan Burgos all contributing scoreless innings. The lone run for the Mariners came off Taylor Rashi, but he limited the damage. The most impressive relief performance came from right-hander Daniel Eagen, the Diamondbacks' No. 13 prospect, who pitched two scoreless innings and collected the save.

  • The game took place on Friday, February 28, 2026 at the Peoria Sports Complex.

The players

Ryne Nelson

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who delivered an excellent Cactus League debut.

A.J. Vukovich

An Arizona Diamondbacks player who hit a towering three-run home run off Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo.

Luis Castillo

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners who gave up the three-run homer to Vukovich.

Daniel Eagen

A right-handed pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system who pitched two scoreless innings and recorded the save.

Gavin Conticello

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who nearly made a play on a double hit by the Mariners in the ninth inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' pitching staff delivered a dominant performance, showcasing the team's depth and development on the mound. This is an encouraging sign for Arizona as they prepare for the 2026 season.