- Taveras’ eighth-inning heroics mark Mariners’ fifth win in six games
- Cal Raleigh ties Aaron Judge with AL-leading 16th home run
- White Sox rookies combine for three homers in losing effort
- Mariners bullpen strands 4 runners in final three innings
The Seattle Mariners solidified their AL West position Wednesday through strategic late-game execution. Trailing 5-4 in the eighth, Rowdy Tellez’s single set the stage for Leody Taveras’ 397-foot blast to right-center off reliever Mike Vasil. The decisive swing continued Seattle’s trend of clutch performances, with 22% of their runs this season coming in the seventh inning or later.
Cal Raleigh’s sixth-inning solo shot proved pivotal, tying the game while matching New York’s Aaron Judge for the American League home run lead. The Mariners catcher now ranks among MLB’s top five backstops in extra-base hits (31) and RBI (47). Julio Rodriguez’s three-run homer in the first inning showcased Seattle’s balanced attack, marking his ninth multi-RBI game since May 15.
Chicago’s rookie trio nearly stole the spotlight, combining for four RBI. Lenyn Sosa and Joshua Palacios became the first White Sox teammates since 2019 to hit consecutive homers, while Tim Elko’s third-inning solo shot extended his power surge. Chase Meidroth’s seventh-inning RBI single temporarily gave Chicago the lead, extending his hitting streak to nine games – the longest active stretch by an AL rookie.
The Mariners’ pitching staff demonstrated crucial adaptability, with Casey Legumina earning his fourth win despite allowing an unearned run. Seattle’s bullpen now leads the AL in stranding inherited runners (74.3%), a key factor in their 13-8 record in one-run games. Andrés Muñoz’s scoreless ninth preserved the victory, maintaining his league save lead.
Regional Insight: Seattle’s 18-9 road record against AL Central opponents highlights their strategic scheduling approach. The team’s .667 winning percentage in Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field since 2022 suggests targeted preparation for Midwest humidity factors impacting pitch movement.
As the Mariners prepare for Thursday’s series opener in Houston, George Kirby’s return from the IL adds rotation depth. Meanwhile, Chicago’s continued reliance on rookie contributors (MLB-high 312 ABs by first-year players) signals long-term rebuilding plans despite recent struggles.