Mariners bounce back to beat Red Sox 1-0 behind George Kirby

Following on from the disappointing season opener, the Seattle Mariners respond in the right way thanks to J.P. Crawford’s solo blast.

The 2024 season couldn’t have started much worse for the Seattle Mariners, as they lost their home opener 6-4 to the Boston Red Sox. Mitch Haniger and the offense showed some promise, but Luis Castillo pitched poorly in allowing six hits, two walks and four earned runs in 5.0 innings.

As much as this was just one game of 162, it couldn’t help but cause angst within the Mariners fan base. After an at times frustrating offseason due to speculation about financial limitations and getting rid of the likes of Eugenio Suárez, Teoscar Hernández and Jarred Kelenic, the last thing the team needed to do was get off to a losing start.

Fortunately for everyone concerned, Scott Servais’ players managed to bounce back on Friday night in front of 30,013 at T-Mobile Park. And it came in a winning fashion Mariners fans have become accustomed to in recent seasons, with stellar pitching and decent defense, combined with few hits (and even fewer runs).

Kirby leads the way

When it was all said and done the Mariners emerged with a 1-0 win, thanks in large part due to George Kirby. The righty broke out last year in showing his potential to eventually become the team’s staff ace, and he continued right where he left off on Friday night.

Kirby was simply sensational versus the Red Sox, as he allowed no runs in 6.2 innings, giving up just two hits in the process. The only (sort of) negative was the rare occurrence of two walks; keep in mind this is the same pitcher who led the Majors last season in allowing a ridiculously low 0.9 free passes per nine innings.

On top of everything else, the 2019 20th overall draft pick struck out eight batters in his 99 pitches, 67 of which went for called strikes. Of course most important of all, he also recorded the win.

Kirby’s walks came early, versus two of the first three batters he faced on the night. Explaining post game what happened to the media and how he recovered, he said:

“I was a little amped up. I kind of just focused on my breathing, settle in and try not to make the moment too big. Just go out there and throw strikes.”

Servais had full confidence in his young pitcher and wasn’t surprised by his performance. Also speaking to the media post game, he said:

“When he gets on a roll, it’s over. He just takes over the game, which is fun to watch. He’s got a chance to have a really big year.”

Hits at a premium

The reason Kirby was able to record the win, was thanks to J.P. Crawford’s solo home run down the right field line in the bottom of the sixth. On a night where hits were at a premium, the shortstop also showed his savvy by forcing a walk and being the only batter in the Mariners lineups not to strike out at least once.

In this respect, Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta also had an excellent outing. Speaking post game about Pivetta’s effort on the night, Crawford said:

“He had us off balance all night. Thankfully, he just left one kind of middle of the plate and I got a barrel to it.”

The Mariners actually had a chance to put some distance between themselves and the Red Sox, when they loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. However, another reminder of recent seasons came to the fore, as Jorge Polanco lined out to end the inning.

Not helping the Mariners’ offensive challenges, was the absence of DH Mitch Garver with back spasms. He was signed to boost the lineup, but has a history of injury issues and will be someone to keep an eye on.

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Mariners bullpen comes through

On the subject of injuries, there was also concern about the Mariners bullpen, without Matt Brash and Gregory Santos to begin the season. However, Gabe Speier, Ryne Stanek and Andrés Muñoz combined to allow just two hits and one walk in 2.1 innings, throwing five strikeouts in the process.

Servais also discussed how the defense is often underrated, but proved key on the night in the win. He said:

“The play of the game was Ty France picking the ball up from the dirt. That was not an easy pick. I mean we’ve got to make a better throw there, but Ty picked up his teammate.”

The Mariner will now look to gain the advantage in the four-game series on Saturday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PT. Logan Gilbert will take the mound, while the Red Sox counter with Kutter Crawford.

What stood out for you most from Friday night’s contest versus the Red Sox? What is your prediction for the Seattle Mariners record at the end of this four-game series? Let us know in the comments section below.

Photos in this article courtesy of Timothy Rogers Photography.

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