Mariners blast 3 homers from Rodríguez & Arozarena to beat the Angels 4-2 on July 25. Get the full recap of the key AL West win & major injury updates.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of thunder in Seattle. Just when the offense needed a jolt, the long ball came to the rescue as the Mariners blasted their way to a crucial 4-2 win over the Angels. Powered by homers from Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, and Jorge Polanco, the team showed the kind of firepower that could propel them deep into October, especially with good news brewing on the injury front.
With the win, the Mariners improved to 55-48, keeping the pressure on Houston in a tight AL West race.
The bats came alive at T-Mobile Park. After falling behind early, Julio Rodríguez ignited the comeback with a game-tying solo shot in the 5th inning, his 15th of the year. The celebration had barely died down when Randy Arozarena stepped up and launched a go-ahead two-run homer, his 19th, giving Seattle a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Jorge Polanco added a critical insurance run with his own solo blast in the 8th. On the mound, Logan Evans was solid, giving up just one run over five innings to earn the win. It was a complete team effort that showcased the lineup's potential when it's clicking.
The victory was made even sweeter by positive developments from the training room. The biggest news surrounds RHP Bryce Miller, who is set to take a massive step in his recovery from right elbow inflammation. He's scheduled for a rehab appearance with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers today, a welcome sign for a rotation that has missed his presence. Other key players are also progressing, with reliever Collin Snider recently completing a two-inning rehab outing. While Victor Robles, Gregory Santos, and Ryan Bliss remain sidelined, getting Miller back in the mix soon would be a monumental boost for the stretch run.
The Mariners' front office has been busy, making moves to bolster the roster for the playoff push. While no deals were made today, the team is still integrating yesterday's big acquisition, first baseman Josh Naylor, who arrived from Arizona. His bat will join a lineup that's being carried by the consistent excellence of players like Cal Raleigh (39 HR, 84 RBI) and J.P. Crawford (.376 OBP). With Naylor's power added to the mix and reliever Jackson Kowar now up from the minors, the Mariners are sending a clear message: they are all-in on catching the Astros.
With a powerful win in the books, a key starter on the verge of returning, and a new slugger in the clubhouse, the energy around the Mariners is palpable. They sit just five games back of Houston, and every game from here on out feels like a playoff game. The pieces are falling into place for a memorable second half. Now, it's time to keep the momentum rolling and close that gap in the AL West.
