Rodriguez, Arozarena Lead Mariners to 3-2 Victory Over Royals
SEATTLE — Julio Rodríguez redeemed himself in a big way Wednesday night, delivering a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning to lift the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.
Rodríguez had left the bases loaded in the fifth, but came through two innings later with a sharp first-pitch cutter off Royals reliever Steven Cruz. The ball deflected off third baseman Maikel Garcia and trickled into left field, putting Seattle ahead 2-1.
Randy Arozarena added to the lead with a sacrifice fly later in the inning, following up his solo home run in the sixth — his third straight game with a homer, a regular-season first for the former Tampa Bay Ray. He previously achieved the feat during the 2020 ALDS.
The Royals made it interesting in the eighth, closing the gap with an RBI single from veteran Salvador Perez, but the Mariners’ bullpen held firm. Carlos Vargas (3-5) earned the win with a strong inning of relief, and closer Andrés Muñoz locked down his 19th save of the season.
Key Moment:In the top of the first, Royals rookie Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right with runners on the corners. What could have been a multi-run inning for Kansas City ended with just one run on the board — a missed opportunity that loomed large by the end.
Key Stat:Arozarena has now homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his career. He last accomplished a similar streak during the 2020 ALDS with Tampa Bay.
Up Next:Seattle will send right-hander Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. Kansas City counters with Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74 ERA).