Mariners waste strong outing by Bryan Woo in 3-1 loss to the Mets

The Seattle Mariners fail to build on the 11-9 win in the series opener, as the bats go mostly quiet and make it three losses in four games.

Following a tough series in Baltimore which saw the Seattle Mariners score seven combined runs in three games, they responded in style on Friday night in a thrilling 11-9 win versus the New York Mets at Citi Field. However, they were unable to carry this offensive momentum through to the following day as the bats went cold in a 3-1 loss.

The lineup has in general been much better this season compared to last, but this didn’t help them on Saturday afternoon as they made Nolan McLean look like a Cy Young winner in his Major League debut. The highly touted McLean held the Mariners to two hits and four walks in 5.1 innings of scoreless ball and left the game to a standing ovation from the 42,978 in attendance.

Mariners’ missed golden opportunity proves costly

The Mariners’ best chance to do some damage against the rookie came in the top of the third, when they had the bases loaded and just one out. The visitors seemed primed to break through with the red-hot Julio Rodríguez coming to the plate, but he ground out into what became an inning-ending double play.

Postgame, Mariners manager Dan Wilson lamented that golden opportunity to put runs on the board. Speaking to the media, he said:

“Nifty little play there with the bases loaded to get the double play and (it) took the wind out of our sails there early.”

The missed chance was magnified when the Mets subsequently took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third, as Francisco Lindo’s RBI double brought Brett Baty home. At least the Mariners remained very much in the contest, thanks to a tremendous effort on the mound by Bryan Woo.

Bryan Woo has a record-setting game

Woo allowed six hits and two walks on the day in 101 pitches over 6.0 innings, while also striking out eight and only allowing the one aforementioned run. The outing saw the righty set the modern day mark of 24 consecutive starts to begin a season with 6.0+ innings and two or fewer walks.

At one point it appeared as if Woo would fall just short of setting the record, after loading the bases in the bottom of the sixth with two outs. However, the M’s bulldog was kept in the game and managed to get Ronny Mauricio to pop out to Josh Naylor and end the inning.

Afterwards, Woo discussed how grateful he was that Wilson gave him the chance to see out the threat and complete the inning. He said:

“There have been situations in years past where I didn’t get that opportunity and it sucks. But you hope that over time, you build that confidence in your manager and your team that they give you that opportunity. I’m just glad I was able to get it and come through on it.”

As for Wilson himself, he was more than happy with the performance of his most reliable starter this season. he said:

“I thought Bryan Woo did a great job getting through six innings. He took us right to the edge. He threw the ball well (and) continued to do what Bryan does.”

• USA Triumphs Over Paraguay 4-1 in FIFA World Cup 2026
• Mariners still searching for consistency where it matters most
• USMNT vs Paraguay: FIFA World Cup 2026 Kickoff
• Mariners make 5 roster moves as Matt Brash returns to the IL
• Sounders FC Inducts Kasey Keller, Sigi Schmid, and Jimmy Gabriel into Legends Circle

Pivotal inning for the Mariners’ chances to win

With the Mariners down just 1-0, it was still poised for them to win a second straight time against the Mets and take the series. However, the seventh proved to be the crucial inning of the game, as relievers Caleb Ferguson and Carlos Vargas combined to allow the hosts to score two more runs and take what would be an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

Eugenio Suárez has taken a serious dip in form at the plate since his return to Seattle, but he did finally put the Mariners on the board in the top of the ninth with a one-out solo blast to make it 3-1. This proved to be it though, with a key storyline being the M’s going just 1-for-8 on the day with runners in scoring position.

Following a run of 10 wins in 11 games the Mariners are now experiencing their first adversity since the trade deadline, with three losses in four contests. At 68-56, they are now 1.5 games back of the Houston Astros at the top of the AL West and drop to the second wild card spot.

Next up the Mariners and Mets make the trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to complete their series in the MLB Little League Classic. Wilson is aware of the special nature of the night but stressed the players will remain focused, as he said:

“I think we all know the importance of each game at this point of the season. It’s nice to get a chance to soak in (the festivities), but come game time I know they will be ready to play.”

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

Do three losses in four games have you concerned about the Mariners, or are you still confident about their playoff chances? What’s your prediction for who wins Sunday night’s rubber match in Williamsport? Let us know in the comments section below.