Julio Rodríguez's 8th-inning HR lifts the Mariners over the Cubs 4-3 on June 20. See how Logan Gilbert and J.P. Crawford helped secure the win at Wrigley.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In the friendly but tense confines of Wrigley Field, it was Seattle's superstar who delivered the biggest blow. Julio Rodríguez crushed a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the eighth inning, silencing the Chicago crowd and powering the Mariners to a gritty 4-3 win over the Cubs on a beautiful Friday night.
3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, including a go-ahead solo shot in the eighth inning.
While Julio's late-game heroics will grab the headlines, his entire night was a masterclass. Finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs, he was the engine of the offense. But this was a true team win. Logan Gilbert was his usual dominant self, navigating the Cubs' lineup for six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. After J.P. Crawford made a spectacular diving stop in the seventh to preserve the one-run lead, Andrés Muñoz came on in the ninth to slam the door for his 18th save of the season. It was a classic Mariners formula: solid starting pitching, timely hitting, and lockdown defense and bullpen work.
Just as the big-league club grinds out a key win, reinforcements are on the verge of arriving. First baseman and outfielder Luke Raley, who has been sidelined since April 30 with an oblique strain, is reportedly nearing his return. After launching a home run for Triple-A Tacoma this week, the team has indicated he could be activated as soon as this weekend. His left-handed power bat would be a welcome addition to a lineup looking for another spark.
The news isn't as immediate for starter Bryce Miller, but it is encouraging. The right-hander, on the IL with elbow inflammation, recently received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to help with a nagging bone spur. The good news? The team has confirmed that surgery is not being considered. The plan is to have Miller rest and rehab, with a target return date sometime after the All-Star break. While his absence is felt, ensuring he's 100% for the second-half push is the top priority.
The future continues to look bright. Keep an eye on High-A Everett, where No. 7 prospect Michael Arroyo is putting on a show. The infielder blasted his seventh home run of June on Friday, continuing a torrid power surge that has him climbing the Northwest League leaderboards. Seeing that kind of development in the system is a massive boost for the organization's long-term outlook.
Tonight's win was a microcosm of the Mariners' identity: tough, resilient, and led by their stars. With Julio heating up, the bullpen holding strong, and a key piece like Raley about to rejoin the fold, the M's are well-positioned in the AL Wild Card race. Now, they'll look to build on this momentum and secure a massive series win on the road against the Cubs tomorrow.
