Julio Rodríguez and the Mariners crushed the Cubs 9-4 on June 22, 2025. See how J-Rod's 4 RBI day and a 5-run inning evened the series at Wrigley Field.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a beautiful Sunday in Chicago, the Seattle Mariners reminded everyone just how explosive their offense can be. Led by a massive performance from Julio Rodríguez, the M's dismantled the Cubs 9-4 at Wrigley Field, tying the series and injecting a huge dose of momentum into the clubhouse. It was a complete team effort, with power, timely hitting, and a gutsy performance on the mound.
Cal Raleigh is now just one homer shy of 30, a mark never reached by a Mariners catcher before the All-Star break.
The game was a tight affair until the fifth inning, when the Mariners' bats erupted. The team put up a five-spot that changed the entire complexion of the contest. The exclamation point was a towering three-run homer from Julio Rodríguez, who finished the day 3-for-5 with 4 RBI. Not to be outdone, Ty France chipped in with a crucial two-run double, providing the kind of clutch hitting this team needs to win big games. It was a relentless inning that showcased the lineup's potential from top to bottom.
While the offense was grabbing headlines, Logan Gilbert was quietly putting together another stellar outing. 'Walter' was in command, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just three runs while striking out eight Cubs batters. He battled, limited damage, and earned his second win of the season, lowering his ERA to a tidy 2.55. After Gilbert's departure, the bullpen slammed the door shut, with Matt Brash and Gabe Speier combining for 2.1 scoreless frames to secure the victory. It's the kind of pitching formula that wins championships.
You can't talk about a Mariners win without mentioning Cal Raleigh. The 'Big Dumper' did it again, launching a solo shot in the seventh inning for his 29th home run of the season. Not only does that extend his MLB lead among catchers, but it also puts him on the precipice of history. He is now one dinger away from becoming the first Mariners catcher ever to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break. His power has been the engine of this offense, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
In other news, it was a quiet day for the front office. No roster moves, trades, or major farm system updates were announced. The team remains focused on the current squad, with injured players like Bryce Miller, Victor Robles, and Collin Snider all continuing their rehab processes without any reported setbacks. Stability is a good thing as the team navigates this crucial stretch of the season.
With the series now tied, the Mariners have a golden opportunity to take a tough road series from a quality opponent. Monday's rubber match is a huge swing game. If the bats can stay hot and the pitching continues to deliver, the M's can fly home from the Windy City with a major series win and a ton of confidence heading into the final week before the All-Star break.
