Mariners make team history with second 1-0 win versus the Pirates

The Seattle Mariners record three consecutive shutout wins for the first time in franchise history, as they sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Seattle Mariners knew they were in for a tough time on Sunday afternoon, facing one of the game’s elite pitchers in Paul Skenes. And so it proved to be the case as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ electric ace was sublime through 5.0 shutout innings, allowing just five hits and no walks, while also striking out 10.

All the Mariners could do was bide their time and wait for Skenes to leave the game, with them jumping on the advantage in the very next inning. Randy Arozarena continued his recent hot streak in the bottom of the sixth with his sixth home run in seven games, providing the only scoring the home side would need on the day.

As a result of the 1-0 win the Mariners made club history, with the victory marking the first time they recorded three consecutive games with a shutout. As for the Pirates, they became the first franchise in Major League history to have three consecutive shutouts followed by being shut out three straight times themselves (or vice versa).

Mariners rotation humming along like it’s 2024

If ever there was evidence that the Mariners rotation is back to last year’s form, it clearly came during the series sweep of the Pirates. And following on from Bryan Woo and Luis Castillo in the first two games, George Kirby finished the job in Sunday’s finale to prove that he is now truly back to his pre-injury form.

Kirby rose to the challenge of his matchup with Skenes in fine fashion, with a stellar outing which went 6.1 innings. He allowed just four hits, no walks and no runs, while also striking out nine in one of his best performances of the season to date.

Once Kirby left the relievers continued their excellent form of late, with Carlos Vargas, Gabe Speier and Andrés Muñoz securing the win. The trio combined to go 2.2 innings of shutout ball, in the process allowing just one hit and no walks, while also striking out four.

As much as Kirby’s performance was headline-worthy, he preferred to focus on the success of the pitching staff as a whole. Speaking to the media postgame, he said:

“Everybody’s been freaking awesome. It’s been tough on the other teams when those guys come in. Everyone’s coming in guns blazing.”

As a result of Kirby’s focus on team success over himself, it was left to his manager to sing his praises. Dan Wilson said:

“George had incredible stuff today. I thought his secondaries and the way he was spinning the ball was outstanding, a lot of swing-and-miss.”

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Plenty of All-Star recognition in Seattle

Muñoz had plenty to celebrate as he was named to his second consecutive All-Star Game on Sunday, along with a first selection for Woo and a surprising third for Julio Rodríguez. The righty continued his ridiculous season by securing his 21st save — one off his career-high set just last year — and now has a 1.06 ERA, 2.14 FIP and 0.824 WHIP in 34.0 combined innings over 35 appearances.

With the win the Mariners improved to 48-42, but they still remain 7.0 games behind the Houston Astros at the top of the AL West. At least they stay in control in the playoff race (to an extent), with a 2.5 game advantage for the final wild card spot in the AL.

Monday will be a well-deserved day off after 17 consecutive days of baseball, before they begin an important six-game road trip against the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. Wilson said:

“We’re definitely going to enjoy the rest (on Monday) and I think a lot of our guys need it. They’ve pushed hard no doubt about it, and that’s a testament to the character that’s in that clubhouse.”

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

How confident are you about the Mariners heading into their six-game road trip against the Yankees and Tigers? How many games do you predict they will win ahead of the All-Star Break? Let us know in the comments section below.