On a scorching day at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners capitalized on a sixth-inning surge to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2. The win improves the Mariners’ record to 75-68, placing them second in the AL West, just two games behind the division leader. Meanwhile, the Cardinals dropped to an even 72-72, maintaining their fourth spot in the NL Central.
Mariners Seize Control
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings as both teams’ pitchers kept hitters in check. St. Louis managed to break through in the fourth inning, scoring two runs to take an early lead. However, the Mariners responded emphatically in the sixth inning, pushing four runs across the plate to seize control of the game.
Bryan Woo took the mound for the Mariners and delivered a stellar performance, striking out nine over six innings. His only blemish was a two-run homer by Alec Burleson in the fourth inning, his first of the season. Despite this, Woo’s efforts were enough to secure his 12th win of the season, lowering his ERA to an impressive 3.02.
Key Contributions
Offensively, the Mariners were led by contributions from Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor. Rodríguez, with his consistent presence, delivered two hits and an RBI. Naylor also chipped in with a crucial two-run double during the pivotal sixth inning.
Randy Arozarena showcased his all-around skills with two hits, including a double, while scoring one of the Mariners’ four runs. Jorge Polanco added to the production, recording a double and an RBI on a sacrifice fly. The collective effort of these key players fueled the Mariners’ rally.
On the Cardinals’ side, Miles Mikolas pitched a decent five innings, allowing two runs on four hits. However, it was Gordon Graceffo who bore the brunt of Seattle’s sixth-inning assault, surrendering two runs in just one inning of work. Graceffo’s ERA inflated to 5.45 after the outing.
Shutting the Door
The Mariners’ bullpen efficiently closed out the game, with Matt Brash, Eduard Bazardo, and Andrés Muñoz combining for three innings of hitless relief. Muñoz displayed his electrifying stuff, striking out two batters in the ninth to notch his 23rd save of the season.
The Mariners’ defense was solid throughout the game, committing no errors and providing strong support for their pitchers. Meanwhile, the Cardinals struggled offensively, managing only three hits against Seattle’s pitching staff.
As both teams look ahead, the Mariners are set to continue their homestand with two more games against the Cardinals before hosting the Los Angeles Angels. Seattle’s focus remains on closing the gap in the AL West standings.
The Cardinals, on their current road trip, will aim to bounce back in the upcoming games against the Mariners and then the Milwaukee Brewers. With their playoff aspirations fading, every game is crucial in an attempt to finish the season on a high note.
The summer heat in Seattle did not deter the Mariners from executing a well-rounded victory, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting. As the season winds down, every game carries significant weight for both teams, and this particular contest was a testament to Seattle’s determination to stay in the playoff hunt.
