Mariners disappoint as they lose 5-3 to Orioles in rubber match

The Mariners ended a miserable showing against the Orioles this season, with a sloppy loss in a game impacted by a rain delay.

One day after having their game start late due to thunderstorms in the area, the Seattle Mariners saw their rubber match against the Baltimore Orioles rain delayed for more than two hours. Unfortunately for the visitors they lost for the second straight time, but before anyone attempts to blame the weather, all the damage was caused prior to the stoppage in play duiing the top of the sixth.

In keeping with the theme of the Mariners often playing up or down to the quality level of the opponent in 2025, they have had little joy against an Orioles team which props up the AL East. They were somehow swept earlier this season back in Seattle, and this time around only managed a 1-0 win in the series opener at Camden Yards.

Logan Evans matches shortest start of his MLB career

Logan Evans has pitched well in his role as the fifth starter for the Mariners this season, but the cracks have begun to appear in recent outings. This worrying trend continued on Thursday in Baltimore, with the main issue being that he allowed a season (and career) high four walks.

Evans managed to hold it together for three innings before the Orioles finally got to him in the bottom of the fourth. He issued his third leadoff free pass and subsequently allowed the hosts to take the lead thanks to a wild pitch, with three total runs in the inning ultimately ending his day.

Evans’ final stat line showed three hits, three runs (two earned)) and four walks, while also managing just one strikeout in 70 pitches over his 4.0 innings. Speaking to the media about his tough day at the office postgame, he said:

“The most frustrating part is definitely the walks. I don’t feel like I really got beat by them. I kind of just beat myself. I think everybody would agree with that.”

Carlos Vargas came in for the fifth inning but couldn’t stop the bleeding, as he allowed two more Orioles runs to put the Mariners in a 5-0 hole. If nothing else, at least the subsequent rain delay allowed the M’s the chance to collect their thoughts and attempt to come back.

Julio Rodríguez gives the Mariners life

The rain delay seemed to work at least initially, as Julio Rodríguez continued his rich vein of form over the past five weeks with a two-run homer which pulled the Mariners to within 5-2 in the top of the sixth. Speaking afterwards about the hit by the budding superstar, M’s manager Dan Wilson said:

“When he drives the ball the other way to right-center like that, that’s when he’s really in a good spot.”

The M’s bullpen then managed to shut up shop, thanks to the combination of Casey Legumina, Caleb Ferguson and Jackson Kowar. However, it wasn’t until the top of the ninth when the visitors saw a genuine opportunity to get right back into the game.

The Mariners managed to load the bases with one out thanks to two singles and Cal Raleigh manufacturing a walk after pinch-hitting for Cole Young. Hopes were then raised further when Randy Arozarena grounded into a fielders choice to bring Dominic Canzone home and make it 5-3.

With runners at the corners this set the stage for Josh Naylor, who has been tremendous for the Mariners since arriving in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Unfortunately for the M’s, Naylor grounded out to second base to end the threat and the game.

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Mariners lose and win as a team

It would be too easy to point fingers at individuals as the cause for losing 5-3 to the Orioles, but at the end of the day you win as a team and lose as a team. For all the accolades the Mariners received during their eight-game winning streak, they must also be collectively responsible for seeming to lose focus and play sloppy during two consecutive losses in Baltimore.

Wilson discussed the effort of the team to come back from the five-run deficit in the rubber match, but conceded they only had themselves to blame. He said:

“Trying to get back into this one and doing what we did, trying to tie this thing up and win this series was admirable, but we just dug ourselves too big a hole.”

With the loss the Mariners drop to a record of 67-55 and fall 1.5 games behind the Houston Astros, which is a frustrating development after finally drawing level at the top of the AL West earlier this week. They at least remain in the first wild card spot, although their advantage is obviously now more tenuous.

Next up the M’s will play a three-game set in New York against a Mets team which is struggling with nine losses in their past 10 games, but also has a strong 39-23 record at home. Luis Castillo will get the ball in Friday’s series opener, entering the contest with a 8-6 record and 3.19 ERA in 24 starts this season.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

There’s little denying the Mariners were second-best in this series against the Orioles. In any event, how will they respond this weekend versus the New York Mets? Let us know in the comments section below.