Mariners crush Rangers 9-2 on June 29, 2025, as Samad Taylor explodes for 7 RBIs and Mitch Garver adds two homers. Read how Seattle won the key AL West series.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget a quiet Sunday afternoon; the Seattle Mariners brought the fireworks to Arlington. In a stunning display of offensive firepower, the M's dismantled the Texas Rangers 9-2, fueled by a career day from Samad Taylor and a two-homer performance from Mitch Garver. The decisive win not only clinched the series against a key division rival but also pushed the Mariners to 43-40, keeping them firmly in the hunt in the AL West.
Second baseman Samad Taylor delivered a career-best seven RBIs, including a home run, as part of Seattle's offensive explosion.
The story of the game was the relentless Mariners offense. After a couple of tight contests, the bats woke up in a big way. Mitch Garver was a one-man wrecking crew, launching two home runs and collecting three RBIs, providing the kind of middle-of-the-order thump fans have been waiting for. But the biggest star of the day was second baseman Samad Taylor, who drove in a staggering seven runs, punctuated by a home run of his own. It was a career-defining performance that single-handedly put the game out of reach. Not to be outdone, catcher Blake Hunt continued his scorching series, going 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Hunt finished the series hitting an unbelievable .600, proving to be a sparkplug at the bottom of the lineup.
While the offense grabbed the headlines, Luis Castillo quietly did his job on the mound. 'La Piedra' delivered another effective start, navigating the potent Rangers lineup and keeping them off balance. By holding Texas in check, Castillo gave his offense the breathing room it needed to explode. It was a classic performance from the ace, setting the tone and earning a well-deserved win. This is the kind of stability on the mound that allows for these offensive outbursts to become decisive victories.
While the big-league club was thriving, there's news on the recovery front. Pitcher Bryce Miller (right elbow inflammation) is still on track for a return after the All-Star break, a crucial reinforcement for the second-half push. Outfielder Victor Robles (left shoulder) is targeting a September return, while reliever Collin Snider (forearm strain) could be back as soon as July. Meanwhile, down on the farm, the future continues to look bright. No. 2 prospect Lazaro Montes crushed his third home run for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, reminding everyone of the next wave of talent developing in the system.
This was more than just a win; it was a statement. Taking two of three from the Rangers in their own ballpark is a massive momentum boost. With the offense clicking like this and Castillo dealing, the Mariners look like a formidable opponent. As they head into the final stretch before the All-Star break, the key will be bottling this energy and proving that Sunday's offensive explosion is a sign of things to come, not just a one-day wonder. The AL West race is heating up, and the Mariners just turned up the temperature.
