Mariners edge Rangers 7-6 in a 12-inning thriller on June 28, 2025. Eduard Bazardo's heroic pitching and Cal Raleigh's offense sealed the crucial AL West win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt more like a late-October classic than a June showdown, the Seattle Mariners dug deep, clawing their way to a heart-stopping 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers in 12 grueling innings. It was a classic AL West battle that tested both bullpens to their absolute limit, but when the dust settled at Globe Life Field, it was Seattle standing tall, tightening their hold on a precious playoff spot.
'Going out there with the intention of winning the game, and that's what I did and that's what we ended up doing.' - Eduard Bazardo
When the game stretched into the 11th inning, the Mariners turned to Eduard Bazardo, who has quietly become one of the team's most reliable arms in June. He navigated two high-leverage, scoreless innings to secure the win. While he walked three, Bazardo showed immense composure, capping his performance by striking out Josh Jung on three straight pitches to end the marathon. It was a gutsy outing that earned him his third win of the season and cemented his status as a key bullpen weapon.
While Bazardo closed the door, the offense was once again powered by the looming presence of Cal Raleigh. The catcher, who entered the game leading all of MLB's backstops in home runs and RBIs, is building an undeniable MVP case. His ability to change the game with a single swing puts constant pressure on opposing pitchers and elevates the entire lineup. Alongside key contributors like J.P. Crawford, Raleigh's historic power surge is the engine driving this Mariners team toward the postseason.
This was a war of attrition from the start. Starter Bryan Woo battled, but neither team could pull away, leading to a contest that saw nearly 30 combined runners reach base. Both bullpens were stretched thin as the innings piled up, turning the game into a chess match of pitching changes and strategic substitutions. It was a true team victory that required contributions from every part of the roster to outlast a tough division opponent.
With the dramatic win, the Mariners improved to 42-39 on the season. More importantly, they solidified their position in the playoff hunt, maintaining a 1.5-game lead for the final American League Wild Card spot. While they still sit 6.5 games behind the division-leading Houston Astros, victories like this one are crucial for building momentum and keeping pace in the competitive AL West.
This wasn't just another win; it was a statement. Grinding out a 12-inning victory on the road against a division rival is what playoff teams do. With the bullpen finding unlikely heroes like Bazardo and the offense anchored by an MVP candidate in Cal Raleigh, the Mariners continue to prove they have the grit for the fight ahead. Now, they'll look to carry this momentum and secure a crucial series win tomorrow.
