Cubs top Mariners 3-1 on June 20, 2025, as Ian Happ and Michael Busch power a first-inning rally. See how a wild opening frame decided the series opener.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Blink and you might have missed it. The Chicago Cubs packed all the offense they needed into a wild first inning Friday night at Wrigley Field, jumping on the Seattle Mariners early and holding on for a decisive 3-1 series-opening victory. A quick response from Ian Happ and a clutch, go-ahead single from Michael Busch proved to be all the North Siders needed to secure their 46th win of the season.
At the Trade Deadline, teams will probably want some guys that are big league ready, and if we have lots of big league ready players in Triple-A, that helps us a lot.
The game started with a bang, but not for the home team. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh launched his 28th homer of the year in the top of the first to give Seattle a brief 1-0 lead. The friendly confines, however, didn't stay quiet for long. In the bottom half of the frame, Ian Happ answered immediately, blasting his ninth home run of the season to tie the game. The rally didn't stop there. With runners on, Michael Busch stepped up and delivered the decisive blow—a two-run single to right field that put the Cubs ahead 3-1 before many fans had even settled into their seats.
After the first-inning fireworks, the game transformed into a classic pitcher's duel. Cubs starter Matt Boyd shook off the early home run and settled into a groove, shutting down the Mariners' lineup. On the other side, Seattle's George Kirby recovered from his rough start, but the damage was done. The bullpens for both teams were stellar, and no more runs crossed the plate, cementing the 3-1 score and highlighting the importance of that initial offensive burst.
While the big league club handles business, the future remains incredibly bright down on the farm. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith in the Kyle Tucker trade, the Cubs' system is still ranked among the best in baseball, boasting an impressive seven players on the Top 100 list. This depth is becoming a major strategic advantage, with a wave of talent reaching the upper levels. As farm director Jason Kanzler pointed out, this pool of nearly big-league-ready players provides the front office with powerful ammunition for potential upgrades as the trade deadline looms.
With a 46-29 record and a firm grip on the NL Central, the Cubs are firing on all cylinders. The win against Seattle shows their ability to strike fast and hold a lead, while the continued strength of the farm system provides exciting possibilities as the trade deadline approaches. All eyes are now on the rest of this weekend series as the Cubs look to keep the momentum rolling.
