Mariners edge Rangers 4-3 in a 12-inning thriller on June 29. Julio Rodríguez and a dominant bullpen lead Seattle deeper into the AL Wild Card race.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt more like a late-October prizefight than a June matchup, the Seattle Mariners went the distance and then some, battling for 12 grueling innings to snag a 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. It was a classic display of grit, clutch hitting, and bullpen dominance that has become the hallmark of this team's push for the postseason.
Six innings. Zero runs. The Mariners' bullpen was an unbreakable wall when it mattered most.
The offense wasn't explosive, but it was relentlessly clutch. Julio Rodríguez was the man of the hour, leading the charge with a 3-for-6 performance and scoring a key run. The ever-energetic Randy Arozarena proved to be the ultimate catalyst, crossing the plate for three of Seattle's four runs while adding two hits of his own. Not to be outdone, Cal Raleigh continued his on-base wizardry, reaching three times with a single and two walks. It was a grind-it-out win, manufactured piece by piece against a tough division opponent on the road.
Luis 'La Piedra' Castillo delivered exactly the kind of start the Mariners needed, going six strong innings while allowing just a single run and striking out four. He kept the game well within reach, handing the keys over to a bullpen that was simply untouchable. From the seventh through the twelfth inning, the relief corps was perfect, shutting down the Rangers' bats and giving the offense every opportunity to win. The performance underscored the front office's recent focus on bullpen depth, which saw them select righty Juan Burgos from Tacoma just a day earlier while designating Zach Pop for assignment.
This crucial victory pushes the Mariners' record to 42-40, keeping them firmly planted in the American League Wild Card hunt. What makes this run so impressive is the team's resilience in the face of adversity. While key arms like Collin Snider (forearm) and Bryce Miller (elbow) remain on the injured list, the team got a welcome boost with the return of catcher Mitch Garver from a jaw injury. It's a 'next man up' mentality that is defining this team and proving they have the depth and determination to compete.
This wasn't just another win; it was a statement. By gutting out a 12-inning victory against a division rival, the Mariners showed the resilience needed for a playoff run. As they head into the final stretch before the All-Star break, every game, every inning, and every at-bat counts. With key players returning and the bullpen looking untouchable, the M's are proving they are a team no one wants to face.
