PEORIA, Ariz. – With the Seattle Mariners facing a critical void in center field, Joe Borchard wasted no time in stepping forward.
Borchard hit a three-run home run and drove in five runs in Seattle's 20-8 loss to Oakland on Saturday.
The Mariners acquired Borchard on Monday from the Chicago White Sox and starting center fielder Jeremy Reed broke a bone in his right wrist when he ran into the fence during a game Thursday night. Reed could miss six weeks so Borchard is getting an opportunity to play center.
"It's a long spring and longer season, and who knows what will happen," Borchard said. "Just a few weeks ago, I had no idea I would have the opportunity now that I have."
Seattle manager Mike Hargrove had noticed Borchard's approach and execution.
"So far, he has done nothing to show me he cannot play center field and play it well," Hargrove said.
Nick Swisher hit a three-run homer in Oakland's nine-run ninth inning. The A's also scored six runs in the first.
Keith Ginter also homered for Oakland, which finished with 17 hits.
Mariners starter Jesse Foppert didn't record an out and allowed five earned runs on one hit and three walks.
"He could not find the plate," Hargrove said. "We took him out as early as we could."
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