Mariners lose 2-1 to A’s in extras despite return of Victor Robles

The Seattle Mariners fall in 10 innings to their divisional rivals, as the offense just can’t get going on a warm night at T-Mobile Park.

Saturday night was theoretically meant to be a continuation of the positive momentum gained from the 3-2 win the previous day against the A’s.  The long-time struggling Dylan Moore had been DFA’d to make way for Victor Robles’ return from injury and the Mariners put out one of their strongest lineups of the season.

Instead, the M’s had one of their poorest offensive outings in 2025, as they were held to just three hits and one run and went on to lose 2-1 to the A’s in 10 innings. It really was a disappointing night, as the team continued to struggle against lefties and as a result fell to their eighth defeat in 10 games.

In fairness to Robles he did actually get right back into the swing of things, by producing one of the Mariners’ three hits on the night. However, their only hit of consequence came in the bottom of the sixth, as Randy Arozarena responded to his slump since moving into the leadoff spot by blasting a solo home run to left field and setting a new career-high of 24.

George Kirby has his issues but powers though

Arozarena’s bomb tied the game at 1-1 after the A’s had taken the lead in the top of the fourth. This alluded to a solid if not great outing by George Kirby, who was coming off one of his worst ever performances last time out in the Little League Classic against the New York Mets the previous weekend.

On the surface at least, allowing just four hits and one run over 6.0 innings does indeed sound like a fine effort. However, a pitcher normally known for being so good with his command has struggled in this area all season and finished with just 57 strikes in 98 pitches and what was previously an almost unheard of three walks.

Kirby was asked afterwards about how he deals with the challenge of struggling with walks and his command in general. He said:

“I know I’ve started walking a lot more people this year. I just need to forget about it. Early on I didn’t feel like I had quite the command I wanted to, but lately I’ve been doing well and whenever it does happen, I know that I’m good enough to get the next guy. I’m still stretching it a lot (but I’ll be okay).”

In this respect, despite the lack of command Kirby still did more than enough to leave the Mariners in position to win the game. By extension, Gabe Speier, Eduard Bazardo and Andres Munoz all did their part out of the bullpen as each pitched a scoreless inning, but the M’s just couldn’t take advantage and the game went to extras.

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Mariners just can’t get it done when it counts

The home team were finally made to pay for their offensive ineptitude in the top of the 10th, as Shea Langeliers hit a RBI double off Caleb Ferguson for a 2-1 advantage. Still, the Mariners had one final genuine opportunity to come back and steal the game in the bottom of the inning.

First, the Mariners had runners on first and second base with no outs, but Robles popped a sacrifice bunt attempt and the A’s got the out. There were some who believed Luke Raley should have come in to pinch hit in this situation, given his own particular strength as a bunter.

In any event the Mariners managed to subsequently load the bases with two outs and Arozarena came to the plate with the chance to be the hero. Unfortunately for the 36,524 in attendance, he instead hit into a forceout at third base and the game was over.

Postgame, M’s manager Dan Wilson gave an interesting insight into the mentality of this team and their belief, even on nights when things are not going well. He said:

“These guys fight until the end and that’s what they continue to do. I think there was no doubt they were going to win that game. We felt like we were in a really good spot, and that’s what these guys continue to do, (but) it just didn’t go our way tonight.”

Dan Wilson talks about crucial bunt attempt in extras

Wilson also discussed the bunt attempt involving Robles in the bottom of the 10th. He said:

“We wanted to get the sac in and move the runners up 90 feet. That’s the play right there in that situation. And we just weren’t able to execute it. … He just didn’t get on top of it.”

As for Robles himself, he spoke with the media before the game and talked about how getting the chance to play in a revamped lineup now featuring Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor. Speaking through an interpreter, he said:

“I’m excited to rejoin especially at this stage of the season and we’re playing for something, and I like to be part of this lineup and contribute to get to the end.”

With the loss the Mariners drop to 69-61 on the season and fall 3.0 games behind the Houston Astros at the top of the division, although they at least maintain a 3.0 game advantage for the third and final AL wild card spot. They will send Logan Gilbert to the mound on Sunday afternoon, for a rubber match which they really need to win.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

The Mariners just can’t seem to get out of this funk at the moment despite having a strong lineup. What needs to be done next, now that Robles has returned from injury? Let us know in the comments section below.