Luis Castillo's 7 shutout innings and a key Julio Rodriguez catch led the Mariners to a 1-0 win over the Pirates on July 6, 2025. See how one swing won it.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In what felt like the most quintessential Mariners game of the season, Seattle scratched and clawed their way to a thrilling 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. It was a masterclass in pitching and defense, a nail-biter that reminded everyone that this team's formula for winning is as potent as ever. When the dust settled, it was Luis Castillo's arm and Ben Williamson's bat that made all the difference.
Luis Castillo recorded a season-high eight strikeouts over seven shutout innings, the 20th time in 92 starts with Seattle that he has pitched at least seven innings.
From the very first inning, the tone was set. Julio Rodriguez made a spectacular, wall-crashing catch to rob Andrew McCutchen of extra bases, a play that energized the entire ballpark. That defensive gem was the perfect prelude to the main event: a dominant performance from Luis 'La Piedra' Castillo. The Mariners' ace was simply untouchable, navigating the Pirates lineup for seven shutout innings. He allowed just two singles and racked up a season-high eight strikeouts on an efficient 99 pitches, improving to 5-5 on the year and once again proving he is the anchor of this formidable rotation.
In a game this tight, a single moment can decide the outcome. That moment came in the bottom of the sixth when Ben Williamson stepped up against Pirates reliever Caleb Ferguson. Williamson laced an RBI double, scoring the game's only run. It wasn't a night of offensive fireworks, but it was a night of clutch execution when it mattered most. That one swing was all the support Castillo and the bullpen would need.
Handing a 1-0 lead to the Mariners' bullpen feels like a safe bet these days. Matt Brash came on for a clean eighth inning, bridging the gap perfectly. Then, in the ninth, Andres Munoz took the mound and did what he does best: shut the door. He secured his 20th save of the season, cementing the victory and putting another notch in the win column for the 46-42 Mariners.
With the series win secured, all eyes now turn to Sunday's finale. It promises to be a must-watch affair as George Kirby (2-4, 4.85 ERA) takes the hill for the Mariners, facing off against the Pirates' electrifying rookie phenom, Paul Skenes (4-7, 2.03 ERA). Can the Mariners complete the sweep in what's shaping up to be an epic pitching duel? Tune in tomorrow to find out.
