SEATTLE – In an intense MLB showdown, Julio Rodriguez’s pivotal RBI single in the seventh inning propelled the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Earlier in the game, Rodriguez had missed an opportunity with the bases loaded but made amends with a first-pitch cutter off reliever Steven Cruz, who had replaced Angel Zerpa (3-1). The ball, deflected slightly by Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, rolled past him, allowing the Mariners to edge ahead with a 2-1 lead.
Randy Arozarena contributed significantly to the Mariners’ success, initially launching a solo home run in the sixth inning, bringing his team level. In the seventh, he further extended Seattle’s advantage with a sacrifice fly to center field, adding a much-needed insurance run. This was crucial, as the Royals narrowed the gap in the eighth inning when Salvador Perez drove in a run with an RBI single.
Seattle’s bullpen held firm in the closing stages. Reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) delivered a solid performance, recording a couple of strikeouts during his inning on the mound. Closer Andres Munoz secured the victory, registering his 19th save of the season.
In the early innings, a crucial moment saw Royals’ rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone line out sharply to right field with runners on first and third. Kansas City managed to score just once in the opening inning, missing the opportunity for more when Caglianone’s hit didn’t find the outfield.
Randy Arozarena’s performance caught attention, as he has now homered in three consecutive regular-season matches for the first time in his career. This streak echoes his remarkable performance in the 2020 American League Division Series with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he homered in three consecutive matchups.
Looking ahead, Seattle’s right-hander Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) is set to take the mound against Kansas City’s right-hander Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74 ERA) in the closing game of their four-game series.