PEORIA, Ariz. – Wladimir Balentien hit a three-run home run and finished with five RBIs against his former team, leading the Netherlands to an 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.
Balentien, now playing in Japan four years after his last stint with the Mariners, homered against Seattle starter Jon Garland in the top of the first inning. Jurickson Profar hit the game's first pitch for a single and Jonathan Schoop had walked ahead of Balentien.
Balentien added a two-run single in the second, driving in Schoop and Roger Bernadina.
The Dutch team heads to San Francisco for the WBC semifinals against the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico on Monday.
Garland, out of baseball last season after right shoulder surgery in July 2011, allowed five runs and six hits while striking out seven in three innings.
Dustin Ackley had two hits, including a run-scoring double in the first for the Mariners.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.