In a packed T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game that felt more like an exhibition than a crucial contest with playoff implications. The stadium, filled predominantly with Dodgers fans, Japanese media eager to cover Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, and a variety of other media outlets, created an unusual atmosphere. The Mariners ultimately fell to the Dodgers, 3-2, in a game where bullpen strategy overshadowed the performances on the field.
On a positive note for Mariners fans, George Kirby showcased his pitching prowess, delivering an impressive performance. Kirby struck out 10 batters in just five innings, displaying a diverse arsenal of pitches, including a newly refined sinker. The sinker, inspired by his teammate Bryan Woo, allowed him to regain confidence in a pitch he felt he had lost touch with. Despite conceding a two-run homer to Enrique Hernández, Kirby looked sharp overall, demonstrating his resilience.
The Dodgers capitalized on a few missteps by the Mariners, managing to edge ahead with a key run in the later innings. Eduard Bazardo, who came in as a relief pitcher, struggled slightly, allowing the game-winning run to score in the sixth inning. The Mariners’ offense, although showing flashes of potential, ultimately fell short in capitalizing on opportunities. Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodríguez each contributed to the offensive effort, while Dominic Canzone continued to impress with his batting performance this September.
The eighth inning saw the Mariners narrow the gap to one run, with Mitch Garver scoring off a Dominic Canzone single. Yet, efforts to tie or take the lead were thwarted by the Dodgers’ pitching, which held firm in the crucial moments at the game’s end. Notably, J.P. Crawford’s battle at the plate showcased the Mariners’ grit, even if the result wasn’t in their favor.
As the season nears its conclusion, this game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. The Mariners have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in terms of individual performances, even during games that lack playoff relevance. As unfamiliar as tonight’s scenario was, Mariners supporters can take solace in knowing that such games become more common when a team is on the rise.