Mariners continue to roll with 8-6 win versus White Sox

The post-trade deadline positive vibes continue in Seattle, as the Mariners make it five wins out of six thanks to their revitalized lineup.

Don’t look now, but the Seattle Mariners are on a roll. Yes, we appreciate the Chicago White Sox have the worst record in the AL, but there’s still plenty for fans to be excited about when you add in the previous series win over the surging Texas Rangers.

In any event the Mariners have now gone 5-1 in six games since the conclusion of the trade deadline, clearly boosted by the additions of Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez. And the duo continued to impress in Wednesday night’s 8-6 win, particularly Naylor.

The 2024 All-Star got things going in the bottom of the first with a two-run blast to put the Mariners on the board first. As a result he became the first player with three homers and eight steals in his first 12 games with a franchise since Bobby Brown for the San Diego Padres, all the way back in 1983.

Naylor’s hit in the bottom of the first was notable for coming on the first pitch he faced. Discussing his approach, he said: “I just honestly just try to see it in my zone, and if it’s there, I want to take a good chance at it and to get my ‘A’ swing off. If it’s not, I’m going to try to do my best to lay off it. Sometimes I’m going to overswing and miss it.”

Julio Rodríguez once more shows what he can do

The White Sox responded with a run of their own in the top of the second, but the Mariners then added five more in the bottom half of the inning to seemingly put the game out of reach early with a 7-1 advantage. Cal Raleigh ended a four-game scoring drought with a two-RBI single, while Julio Rodríguez continued his renaissance with a three-run homer.

The White Sox did add another run in the top of the third, but were ultimately unable to take advantage of loading the bases and scoring more. As a result, by the time George Kirby left the action after six innings, the Mariners still seemed in control.

Kirby has continued to struggle for consistency at times since his return from injury. However, five hits, two walks and two earned runs represented a strong outing, which also saw him punch out nine batters on a season-high 104 pitches.

Given the 27-year-old’s struggles during the third inning and fast-rising pitch count, he was just grateful his manager didn’t pull him early from the game. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said: “I’m just happy Dan gave me the opportunity to go out for the sixth.”

• Highlights and Lowlights: Storm vs. Mystics Recap
• Mariners beat A’s 4-1 behind sterling start from Emerson Hancock
• Seahawks OTA Highlights: Practice Updates and Injuries
• Cristian Roldan Named to USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster
• Mariners still have no timeline for Cal Raleigh return from IL

Mariners make it difficult for themselves

In fact events in the top of the seventh might have even had Wilson wondering if he should have stuck with Kirby a little longer despite his pitch count. Eduard Bazardo picked a terrible time for arguably his second-worst outing of the year, as he allowed three hits and two home runs which resulted in the White Sox pulling to within 7-5.

Fortunately for the Mariners, Suárez added a sacrifice fly RBI in the bottom of the seventh to make it 8-5 and provide some insurance, albeit the game still remained more nerve-racking for the 32,756 in attendance at T-Mobile Park. Things only got worse when the usually sensational Andrés Muñoz allowed a lead-off solo blast in the top of the ninth, to close the gap to 8-6 in favor of the M’s.

Muñoz then walked the next two batters to bring the winning run to the plate and only increase the anxiety. Fortunately for everyone connected to the home team though, he finally reverted to type, retired the next three hitters and improved his career-best saves total to 26.

Dan Wilson more than happy with the Mariners’ effort

Wilson couldn’t help but rave about Naylor following the conclusion of a 8-6 win which improved the Mariners’ record to 62-53. He said: “He looks at the game in a different light and takes advantage of the things he sees.”

The Mariners manager also made sure to credit Rodríguez, who yet again is showing he always turns it on come the second half of the season. Discussing the three-time All-Star’s second-inning home run, Wilson said: “When you stay middle of the field and you get breaking balls on the plate, you’re able to pull them. That’s what he did tonight.”

With the victory the Mariners now find themselves just 2.0 games back of the Houston Astros at the top of the AL West, and with one more three-game road series remaining against their divisional rivals. As insurance though they do also have a hold on the second AL wild card, as they aim to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

Next up, the M’s will aim to complete the series sweep over the White Sox in Thursday afternoon’s finale. Logan Gilbert will take the mound as, similar to Kirby, he searches for the consistency which made him so effective throughout last season.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

There will always be naysayers when it comes to the Seattle Mariners, but how confident do you feel about their playoff chances? Further, do you predict they will win the AL West, or have to settle for a wild card spot? Let us know in the comments section below.