The Seattle Mariners edged the Chicago Cubs 5-4 in a dramatic walk‑off victory on Tuesday night, with Randy Arozarena’s two‑run homer sealing the win in the ninth inning.
A Late Surge in the Ninth
After trailing 4-2 entering the final frame, the Mariners rallied. Leo Rivas delivered a two‑out RBI single that pulled them within one, setting the stage for Arozarena’s heroics.
The Cubs had taken an early lead, striking first in the fifth with a sacrifice fly by Kevin Alcántara off debuting pitcher Kade Anderson.
Debutant’s Rough Start
Anderson, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, made his MLB debut, throwing 5 ⅔ innings and surrendering three earned runs before exiting.
Despite the setback, Anderson’s outing marked the first appearance of the top draft prospect, who finished with a respectable strikeout count but struggled with control.
Reliever Michael Rucker closed the game with a scoreless eighth, earning his first win of the season and preserving the lead.
The victory lifted Seattle to 3.5 games behind Houston in the AL West and within two games of the final wild‑card spot, while Chicago slipped to a 4.5‑game deficit in the National League wild‑card race.
The Mariners also announced that Brendan Donovan was scratched from the lineup due to a head injury sustained in batting practice, with Weston Wilson stepping in at third base.
Looking ahead, Seattle’s Bryce Miller is slated to face Chicago’s Shota Imanaga in Sunday’s series finale, a matchup that could further shape both teams’ postseason hopes.