Mariners edged by Orioles 3-2 on June 5, 2025. Hancock strong, Kjerstad's triple decisive for BAL. Gilbert rehabs, Montes shines. Full M's game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'so close, yet so far' kind of night at T-Mobile Park, as the Mariners battled hard but ultimately fell 3-2 to a tough Baltimore Orioles squad. While the loss stings, the day wasn't all doom and gloom, with promising developments on the injury front and continued fireworks from one of the M's brightest prospects.
Heston Kjerstad's two-run triple in the seventh proved to be the dagger, a tough pill to swallow after a solid start from Emerson Hancock.
The M's and O's were locked in a pitcher's duel for much of the evening. Emerson Hancock was dealing, going 5 2/3 strong innings, allowing just two hits and fanning six. The only blemish was an Adley Rutschman solo shot that tied the game. Seattle scratched across runs via a Randy Arozarena sac fly and a clutch Cal Raleigh RBI single. But the Orioles' bullpen was nails, shutting the door after their offense took the lead. The decisive blow came in the seventh when Heston Kjerstad laced a two-run triple off reliever Carlos Vargas. Despite a ninth-inning rally that put two runners on, Félix Bautista slammed the door for his 11th save. Tough one to lose, especially with Baltimore's bullpen racking up six strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings of one-hit relief.
Some good news filtering in from Tacoma: Logan Gilbert made his second rehab start for the Rainiers. He tossed 60 pitches over three innings, giving up five hits but also striking out two. The numbers aren't eye-popping, but the key here is building arm strength and getting back into game rhythm after that Grade 1 flexor strain. Getting Gilbert back healthy and effective will be a massive boost for the Mariners' rotation down the stretch. Every pitch thrown is a step closer to seeing him back on the mound in Seattle.
Down on the farm, Lazaro Montes is making a serious case for 'can't-miss' status. The Mariners' No. 2 prospect launched his 13th home run of the season for High-A Everett, and get this – it was his *second straight game* with a dinger! This two-run shot is just another example of the incredible power Montes possesses. Fans are rightfully excited about his development, and he's quickly becoming a must-follow in the M's system.
Jerry Dipoto was busy today, making a couple of moves to bolster the big-league club. Right-handed pitcher Emilio Pagan and veteran catcher Mike Zunino have been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. Pagan will add another experienced arm to the bullpen, hopefully providing some stability, while Zunino brings familiar catching depth and a power bat, even if it's streaky. These moves could provide a spark and some much-needed reinforcement as the season grinds on.
So, a tough loss at home, but the day wasn't without its silver linings. Gilbert's progress and Montes' continued tear are huge positives. With Pagan and Zunino rejoining the squad, the M's will look to bounce back quickly. Let's see how they respond in the next series and keep an eye on those key players working their way back and up the ladder. Go M's!
