Mariners end Ichiro weekend with 6-3 win to sweep the Rays

The Mariners put a bow on what was a wonderful weekend in Seattle, but they made it far from easy in Sunday’s series finale versus the Rays.

You have to wonder if this is the year when the Seattle Mariners finally put aside decades of frustration, heartache and unfulfilled potential, to make it to the first World Series in franchise history. Everything seems to be in place following a trade deadline which saw the owners fully back Jerry Dipoto and company, and with the team subsequently going on a run of form which now has them within striking distance of a playoff spot, a first division title since 2001 and – dare we say it – the best record in the American League.

Certainly this is one of the most talented teams in years in the Pacific Northwest, especially following the recent trades which brought in Josh Naylor and Caleb Ferguson, and also reunited the Mariners with Eugenio Suárez. And following a wonderful weekend celebration which included having is number 51 retired by the M’s, the words of Ichiro Suzuki should serve as an inspiration for the players’ quest to bring success and glory to Seattle.

Ichiro was immortalized on Saturday prior to the second game of the Mariners’ series against the Tampa Bay Rays, and despite the ceremony being about him he still took the time to pass on an inspirational message to today’s team. He said:

“This year’s team has a great opportunity. You guys are strong and talented. Please do not take your talent for granted. You have a great team and a great opportunity in front of you.”

The team was locked in during Ichiro’s speech as they listened from the home dugout, clearly showing their love and respect for one of the greatest players in Mariners history. He continued to talk directly to them, as he said:

“I understand that there is pressure to win, but the thing is that winning is always tough and never comes without pressure. … I am confident that you can seize the moment.”

Mariners come out firing on Sunday

Ichiro’s words still resonated with the Mariners on Sunday afternoon in their series finale against the Rays, as they stormed out to a 4-0 lead in the opening inning.  Cal Raleigh blasted his Major League-leading 45th home run of the season, closely followed by a Suárez two-RBI single and all seemed good in the world.

Raleigh’s home run saw him equal Hall of Famer Johnny Bench’s record for the second-most by a catcher in a season in Major League history. Next up is Salvador Perez, who holds the record for the most ever by a catcher after hitting 48 homers during 2021 with the Kansas City Royals.

With everything being nicely set up to complete a three-game sweep of the Rays, the Mariners couldn’t help but revert to their usual position of causing their fans unnecessary stress and anxiety. The visitors scored runs in each of the next three innings, to pull to within 4-3 after four.

Bryan Woo not at his best but still good enough

Not that Bryan Woo was by any means terrible on Sunday, but this was definitely one of his tougher outings of the season as he allowed seven hits and a walk. At the same time, when it was all said and done he had a career-high nine strikeouts and extended his season-long streak of going at least 6.0 innings to 23 starts.

Afterwards, Woo was asked about how much he appreciated the opportunity to go out again for the sixth inning and continue his impressive run to begin the season. He said:

“When coaches and players and everybody is (supporting) you to finish the job especially late in the game … it holds a lot of weight. So for Dan, (Pete Woodworth), the players and whoever, to have that belief in you, it means a lot. I’m just glad I was able to come through.”

The Mariners finally got a bit of breathing space again with Josh Naylor’s solo blast in the bottom of the seventh followed by Dominic Canzone’s RBI single an inning later, for a 6-3 lead. Naylor had given the team a bit of scare when he left Thursday’s White Sox finale with shoulder soreness, but only missing one game and responded with three hits in the final two contests against the Rays.

The bullpen did its bit once Woo left the game, combining to pitch three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and a walk. This effort included a second consecutive clean inning by Matt Brash, which included one strikeout and led to his third save of the season.

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Dan Wilson talks about the impact of the opening inning

Mariners manager Dan Wilson spoke to the media postgame and discussed the impact of the team’s big first inning, which ultimately set them up for the 6-3 win. He said:

“A great way to end the homestand. Just another outstanding ballgame by our guys. Getting four there in the first and a 45-pitch inning; that’s hard to do. Some really good at-bats, getting some traffic. Geno with the big RBIs and Cal obviously with number 45. … Just unbelievable, and kind of put (the Rays) on their heels a little bit.”

With the win the Mariners improve to a season-high 13 games above .500 at 66-53, remain 0.5 back of the Houston Astros in the AL West and move to the top wild card spot following two consecutive losses by the Boston Red Sox. They now have a day off on Monday before beginning a three-game set in Baltimore, with George Kirby taking the mound versus the Orioles.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

The Mariners are clearly in a strong position, but now face a significant challenge with a nine-game road trip against the Orioles, Mets and Phillies. What do you predict their record will be during this stretch? Let us know in the comments section below.