Brendan Donovan contributed a key three-run home run during the Seattle Mariners’ 8-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, according to a March 30 report. The game at T-Mobile Park was played in cold conditions, with temperatures at first pitch reaching only 43 degrees and gusting winds affecting play.
The weather made hitting difficult for both teams, as fly balls struggled to carry through the marine layer. Donovan said that he considered bunting instead of swinging for power due to the conditions. “But it was cold out there,” Donovan said before pausing and adding, “I’m looking where the third baseman was, and I was like, ‘I’m not moving real fast today. I don’t think anybody is, to be honest.’ But he was in a spot where I didn’t like it. So I was like, ‘Let me just try to get on top of a heater, hit a low liner somewhere.’”
Donovan ultimately decided to take an aggressive swing against Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi on a 1-1 count and sent a line drive just over the right-field fence for his home run. “I’m very conscious of my angles,” Donovan said. “I know if I hit a ball anywhere to the left of right-center, it’s pretty much an out for me if it’s in the air. So I’m very conscious of my angles, like low oppo and higher pull side. It’s something that I work on every day.”
In addition to his home run and single at bat, Donovan reached base twice more after being hit by pitches and made several notable plays at third base despite adjusting from second base this season. He acknowledged mistakes made in previous games but emphasized his commitment: “With any new position, there’s going to be some growing pains,” said Donovan. “But I just try to play hard. I try to really prepare and just just play the game — we’ve talked about it — not playing scared, right? You can’t play this game scared, and I understand that I’m going to make mistakes.”
Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Donovan’s approach since joining the team: “His uniform is dirty every single night,” Wilson said. “That just shows you the type of player he is and just how much of a gamer he is.”
Donovan’s performance has been seen as important for strengthening Seattle’s lineup early in the season following his Opening Day home run.
