Padres show off new power with Kemp, Upton; edge Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Matt Kemp legged out a triple two pitches before Justin Upton hit his third home run of the spring, and the San Diego Padres showed off their new power outfield in a 6-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday.

Kemp's liner to the gap off Mariners starter J.A. Happ was followed by Upton's drive to left-center in the third inning. Upton doubled and scored an inning earlier. Kemp later singled and stole second.

''It's good to see it,'' manager Bud Black said. ''Those guys have had good at-bats all year. They're doing just fine.''

The third offseason outfield acquisition, Wil Myers, went 1 for 4 and looked shaky on a play by the wall that turned into a double for Dustin Ackley.

Seth Smith, traded to the Mariners after San Diego remade its outfield, had a solo homer, RBI double and stole second against former teammate Andrew Cashner.

The right-hander gave up three runs and six hits in four innings.

STARTING TIME

Mariners: Happ threw 45 of his 80 pitches for strikes in his third start.

''I don't think it was an absolute disaster, but I certainly could have been sharper,'' he said. ''Breaking ball wasn't there today.''

Padres: Cashner threw 82 pitches and struck out four.

''I thought his stuff was good,'' Black said. ''He threw some really good pitches that were just on the corner or just off.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Mariners: Backup C Jesus Sucre, sore after being hit by a foul tip, sat out a second straight day. He could return Wednesday.

Padres: Black has yet to confirm RHP Brandon Morrow's next start Thursday due to a blister on his throwing hand. ... RHP Josh Johnson, recovering from elbow surgery, had his first bullpen session Monday. ... In a roster move, the Padres sent C Austin Hedges to minor league camp. One of the franchise's top prospects, he'll start the season in Double-A or Triple-A, Black said.

GONE QUICKLY

Smith knew when the Padres brought in a new starting outfield he was likely on his way out. He's happy the trade to Seattle happened in December.

''If you're going to get traded, you like it when it's early in the offseason,'' Smith said. ''It helps logistically, with your family, but also you talk to coaches and players and get a feel for what you're about to go into.''

The left-handed hitting Smith hit .266 in 136 games last season. He figures to bat second and sit against lefties in Seattle.

San Diego's other outfielders from last season remain in limbo. Carlos Quentin will start at first base Wednesday and has said he's open to a trade.

BUDDY SYSTEM

Just to the left of the Padres' batting cages Tuesday morning, players were gathered around a smoking grill for the ribs cook-off. To the right, others were warming up at the basketball hoop for the semifinals of the 3-point contest.

''Buddy's awesome,'' third baseman Will Middlebrooks said.

He was referring to his manager, who organizes numerous off-field activities during camp.

The front office team, led by general manager A.J. Preller, was still alive in the 3-point event. Preller played JV basketball at Cornell.

''It's fun,'' Middlebrooks said, ''and it keeps things light.''

The Mariners had fun on their side of Peoria Sports Complex, too, with Ken Griffey Jr. visiting.

UP NEXT

Mariners: RHP Taijuan Walker, contending for the final rotation spot, makes his fifth start Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs.

Padres: LHP Jason Lane, the 38-year-old former outfielder, starts Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. RHP Ian Kennedy will pitch in a minor league game to avoid facing a division rival.