Bay, Smoak homer for Mariners in 8-6 win

Bay hit a two-run homer in his first spring at-bat and the Mariners went on to beat the San Diego Padres 8-6 Saturday.

"I tried a million things to get my swing back and to save face," said Bay, who signed a one-year $1 million contract this offseason. "Nothing was working, and I got so far away from where I was before that I forgot how to do it. The goal heading into this spring is to get back to doing what I've always done."

"When you get instant feedback like that first-inning home run, that speaks volumes that you're on the right track," he said.

Bay redirected a 95 mph fastball from Padres starter Tyson Ross over the left-field wall. He also walked twice.

A big hitter earlier in his career, Bay floundered after signing a four-year, $66 million deal with the New York Mets. The outfielder was physically hobbled and mentally drained during his time in New York, but Seattle gave him a chance to start fresh.

Bay must play his way onto the 25-man roster with a solid spring, an odd predicament the three-time All-Star doesn't seem to mind.

"I understand that there are people for a limited number of roster spots, but I'm not concerned about a competition," Bay said. "I'm concerned about me. I want to make a good impression here, and I know I still have to make the team. I kind of like that because, if I make this team, it means I deserve it."