Mariners end losing streak with tense 4-3 win over Rangers

The Seattle Mariners bounce back from their series sweep by the Houston Astros, with a hard-fought 4-3 win versus the Texas Rangers on Monday night.

The Mariners and their fans were feeling a bit nauseous after losing all three games in the series versus the Astros. The Rangers proved to be the perfect antidote.

The Mariners were 8-2 this season against their divisional rival entering Monday night, including an impressive 6-1 in Texas. You can now make that 9-2 overall, following a hard-fought 4-3 win at T-Mobile Park in front of 23,581 enthusiastic but nervous fans.

There was no Julio Rodriguez again, while Jesse Winker was also out with the left ankle sprain he suffered during Sunday’s series finale with the Astros.* Ultimately though the offense did just enough, led by the impressive Ty France.

On the night, France went 3-for-3, had a one RBI homer and two runs. He got good support from Cal Raleigh, who had two hits himself, including an RBI.

• Sounders FC road show continues in Houston
• Mariners back at full strength heading into first road trip of 2026
• George Kirby sees dominant start vs. Yankees come undone in 6th
• Mariners experience 2 positives and 1 negative on a busy Tuesday
• Mike Macdonald,” We are a different team.”

The Mariners were also helped mightily by an excellent effort on the mound from Chris Flexen. As much as he hasn’t been as consistent as last season, he has warmed up of late.

On Monday night, Flexen allowed just four hits, two earned runs and a couple of walks in 6.0 innings, while striking out five batters. Overall he has a 1.61 ERA and given up just 18 hits in a combined 22.1 innings during July, with the Mariners winning all four games he has started.

Further, the 28-year-old has now allowed three or less earned runs in 11 consecutive starts. Arguably last year’s best starter in the rotation, is rounding into form as we approach crunch time in the season.

Flexen was happy enough with his performance, when speaking to the media afterwards. He said:

“I felt pretty solid tonight. I don’t think the short rest really affected me, as I didn’t really (pitch) too much last time out … every time I take the rock I’m trying to go out there and compete, and put us in the situation to win the game. Definitely I was a little sharper tonight.”

The Mariners were also helped out by several exceptional defensive plays, which helped prevent more runs for the visitors. Particular kudos must go to Raleigh, France and J.P. Crawford.

Flexen was understandably grateful and made a point of praising the defensive effort. He said:

“Unbelievable. These guys have been good all year, but yes, there were some spectacular plays all around. J.P. was a handful. Ty laying out for that ball down the line to save the inning, that was big.”

When Flexen left the game, the bullpen once again picked up the slack. They combined to allow just two hits and one earned run — all against Diego Castillo — in 3.0 innings.

Following Monday night’s action, the Mariners bullpen is now seventh in the Majors with a 3.40 ERA. More impressively, they are ranked first with a 1.09 WHIP and third with a .210 batting average.

Overall, manager Scott Servais knows his ball club can play better, but was happy with the continued effort and continued ability to work through any struggles. He said:

“It wasn’t pretty offensively. I didn’t think we did a whole lot to get excited about, but you find a way. It’s good pitching locking it down, making the plays defensively and taking advantage of opportunities out there.”

The Mariners will attempt to take the series on Tuesday night, when George Kirby faces off against Dane Dunning. Marco Gonzales will then take the mound for the series finale on Wednesday, versus Jon Gray.

* Servais is extremely optimistic that Rodriguez will return to the lineup on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Winker has been listed as day-to-day, but could also be back as soon as Tuesday.

How concerned are you by the continued absence of Rodriguez? Do you see him returning to the lineup soon, or being placed on the Mariners’ 10-day injured list? Let us know in the comments section below.