Mariners edge Royals 3-2 on July 3, 2025, as Randy Arozarena stays hot with a homer and Julio Rodriguez delivers a clutch, game-winning RBI single. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It wasn't always pretty, but it was a win the Seattle Mariners desperately needed. In a tight, back-and-forth contest, it was the star power of Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodriguez that ultimately shone brightest, powering the M's to a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals and securing a key series win before the holiday.
Randy Arozarena has now homered in three consecutive games, a career-first for the electrifying outfielder.
The offense came down to two men on Thursday. Randy Arozarena, who has been on an absolute tear, continued his power surge by launching a solo home run in the sixth inning—his third homer in as many games. He also drove in another run with a sacrifice fly, accounting for two of Seattle's three runs. But the game's biggest moment belonged to Julio Rodriguez. After frustratingly leaving the bases loaded earlier in the game, Julio stepped to the plate in the seventh with the score tied and delivered a clutch, go-ahead RBI single that ricocheted off the third baseman's glove. It was a moment of pure redemption that sent the T-Mobile Park crowd into a frenzy.
With Bryce Miller on the shelf with an elbow injury until late July, the Mariners turned to a fresh face from Tacoma. The team officially recalled RHP Logan Evans to make the spot start, optioning LHP Joe Jacques to make room on the roster. Evans, making his return to the big league club, gave the Mariners a chance to win, battling through the Royals lineup before handing the ball over to the bullpen. From there, the relief corps was lights out. Carlos Vargas (3-5) picked up the win with two crucial strikeouts in relief, and Andres Munoz slammed the door for his 19th save, securing the one-run victory.
This 3-2 victory was more than just another notch in the win column; it was a testament to the team's resilience. The win pushes the Mariners to 45-41 on the season, keeping them firmly in second place in the AL West and within striking distance of the top spot. Winning these tight, low-scoring affairs is the hallmark of a playoff contender, and with contributions coming from all over the roster—from a red-hot Arozarena to a fill-in starter like Evans—the M's are proving they can manufacture wins in multiple ways.
As the dust settles on a thrilling series finale, the Mariners can feel good about their grit. The challenge now is to build on this momentum. With the offense finally showing sustained life, led by the incredible power of Randy Arozarena, the team heads into the weekend with a chance to make up more ground. All eyes will be on the starting rotation to see how it holds up without Miller, but if the bats stay hot and the bullpen remains dominant, this could be the start of a significant mid-summer run.
