Mariners record impressive 4-3 comeback win in Baltimore

One day after being pushed around in the series opener, the Mariners secure a much-needed win versus a strong Orioles ball club.

The Mariners were stunned early on Friday night in Baltimore, as the Orioles put up five runs in the opening inning. The Mariners were never able to recover, and went on to lose 9-2.

Things were not set to be any easier on Saturday, versus a team which was tied for the fewest losses in the Majors. And the omens seemed to be bad, when the game was delayed by nearly three hours due to rain.

Once the action finally got underway, the Mariners bats struggled — as has been the case far too much already this season. They did not record a hit through the first five innings, and the situation was looking extremely dire.

Castillo keeps it close

Fortunately for the Mariners, Luis Castillo managed to keep them in the game with another fine performance. He allowed four hits and four walks through 6.0 innings, but also only gave up two earned runs, to hold the Orioles to a 2-0 lead.

It marked the seventh straight start, where Castillo allowed no more than two earned runs, all the while pitching at least six innings. Contrast this to the beginning of the 2024 season, when he gave up four earned runs in three consecutive outings.

The three-time All-Star gave some insight into his mindset entering a game versus a strong ball club. Speaking through his interpreter, he said:

“Even though we were delayed for a few hours, I didn’t lose focus. I just followed my routine. That’s a difficult team, but I’ve always come out with the mentality that if you’re good, so am I. Whoever I’m going to face on that mound, I’m just as good as you are.”

Of course, no matter how good Castillo was, it wasn’t going to amount to much if the Mariners couldn’t get anything going on offense. Mercifully, they ended the Orioles’ no-hitter in the top of the sixth, courtesy of Julio Rodriguez’s one-out single.

Mariners manager Scott Servais conceded that there was some concern about the lineup’s lack of production, with him thankful for his ace’s outing. Speaking postgame to the media, he said:

“The first five innings didn’t look so great. We got no hits and the guy’s dealing out there. It comes down to our starting pitching giving us a chance, keeping us in the game, keeping it close enough so if you get a rally together, you’re going to be right there.”

Mariners offense wakes up

The Mariners would finally get things going in the seventh inning, as they mounted a comeback. Mitch Haniger got it started, coming in as a pinch-hitter and subsequently grounding out to third, which allowed Luke Raley to score and pull the Mariners to within 2-1.

Next, Ty France doubled and Dylan Moore came home, to tie the game at 2-2. The Mariners then carried this momentum over into the next inning, to take their first lead of the day through a Cal Raleigh RBI double.

The Mariners still weren’t finished though, as Moore hit a double of his own, to score Raleigh and make it 4-2 after eight innings. The fourth run would turn out to be the winning score.

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As has often been the case in recent seasons, the Mariners bullpen stepped up when it was needed most. Gabe Speier, Ryne Stanek and Trent Thornton combined to pitch 2.0 innings of shutout baseball after Castillo left the game.

It was then up to Andrés Muñoz to do what he usually does, and close out the game. There was some concern when he allowed a two-out solo blast to bring the Orioles to within 4-3, but the righty then finished the job to secure his eighth save of the season.

As always, Servais was grateful for his bullpen. He said:

“You try to line the pockets up with the bullpen and where it’s going to go, but somebody’s going to have to get some big outs. … Our bullpen really stepped up tonight. I thought Ryne Stanek got maybe the two biggest outs of the game for us.”

Who will take the rubber match?

With the 4-3 win, the Mariners maintain their lead at the top of the AL West, 1.5 games ahead of the Texas Rangers and having lost two less contests. They will send George Kirby to the mound on Sunday afternoon, as they aim to secure what would be considered an unlikely series win in Baltimore.

Along these lines, Servais understands the task that lies ahead with the Orioles. He said:

“They’ve got a good club. We know that. You’ve got to execute your pitches, keep it close, then hopefully get some big hits late. We were able to come through tonight.”

What’s your prediction for Sunday’s rubber match? Will the Mariners win or lose versus the Orioles, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.