Jorge Polanco's walk-off single caps a 9th-inning rally as the Mariners stun the Guardians 4-3 on June 15. See how Seattle beat Clase to clinch the series.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like another frustrating loss was on the books, the Seattle Mariners reminded us all why you never leave a ballgame early. Down to their final three outs, the M's staged a stunning ninth-inning comeback against the Cleveland Guardians, capped by a Jorge Polanco RBI single that sent T-Mobile Park into a frenzy and sealed a dramatic 4-3 walk-off win.
George Kirby's historic streak of 68 consecutive starts with two or fewer walks, the third-longest in MLB history, came to an end on Sunday.
Entering the bottom of the ninth trailing 3-2 against elite closer Emmanuel Clase, the odds were stacked against Seattle. But Dominic Canzone, recently recalled from Tacoma, sparked the improbable rally with a leadoff single. Manager Scott Servais played his cards perfectly, sending in the speedy Dylan Moore to pinch-run. Moore promptly stole second and then, showing incredible hustle, advanced to third on a perfectly placed bunt by rookie Cole Young. The pressure mounted, and a wild pitch from Clase allowed Moore to scamper home with the tying run. With the bases loaded and one out, Jorge Polanco stepped to the plate and delivered the decisive blow, a sharp single back up the middle that secured the Mariners' fifth walk-off win of the season.
While the offense provided the late-game heroics, the day started with a notable moment on the mound. Starter George Kirby saw his incredible streak of 68 consecutive starts with two or fewer walks come to an end. By issuing three free passes against the Guardians, Kirby's historic run—the third-longest in MLB history behind only Carlos Silva and Cy Young—was officially snapped. Kirby battled through his outing, allowing three runs, but the team's rally ensured his uncharacteristic lack of pinpoint control didn't result in a loss. The right-hander, still managing a shoulder issue, is slated for a live batting practice session on Monday, a key step in his return to full strength.
Providing some of the earlier offense was the ever-reliable Cal Raleigh, who smoked an RBI double. 'Big Dumper' continues his torrid 2025 campaign, entering the weekend leading all of baseball with 26 home runs and making a strong case for major awards with his combination of power and elite defense. His consistency is even more crucial as the team navigates injuries. Both first baseman Rowdy Tellez (hand) and third baseman Ben Williamson (back) were late scratches from Sunday's lineup, testing the team's depth. The win showed the importance of the 'next man up,' with players like Canzone making an immediate impact.
This wasn't just a win; it was a jolt of energy for a team that desperately needed it. Snapping a two-week skid with their first series victory, the Mariners showed immense grit and proved they can manufacture runs against the league's best. As they look to build on this momentum, the focus will be on getting healthy and carrying this never-say-die attitude forward. If Sunday's thrilling conclusion is any indication, this team has plenty of fight left in it.
