Mariners Fall to Guardians on Opening Day
SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners suffered a 6-4 defeat against the Cleveland Guardians on opening day, despite hitting four solo home runs, including two by Dominic Canzone and one from newcomer Brendan Donovan.
Chase DeLauter made a strong impression in his major league debut with two home runs. The Guardians secured the win with a pair of runs in the seventh inning off pitcher Gabe Speier. The Mariners’ key hitters, Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor, struggled, combining for an 0-for-11 performance with a walk and six strikeouts.
Logan Gilbert took to the mound for Seattle, pitching into the sixth inning with three runs allowed on five hits while striking out seven batters. An impactful moment came when home plate umpire Lance Barksdale did not call a strike on a slider to DeLauter on the edge of the zone, leading to DeLauter’s home run, marking the first run of the game for Cleveland.
In response, Donovan hit a home run of his own, becoming the first Mariner to hit a lead-off homer on opening day, tying the game at 1-1. Canzone later put the Mariners ahead with his own solo shot in the second inning, showcasing the team’s power.
Gilbert maintained control for a while but faltered in the fifth inning, allowing a lead-off single and a double that paved the way for two runs scored by Brayan Rocchio, reversing the lead to 3-2 for Cleveland. Raley’s fifth-inning homer tied the game again at 3-3.
The Guardians regained the lead in the seventh after Rocchio and DeLauter hit singles, and José Ramírez followed with a double, scoring both runners. An unfortunate injury forced Tanner Bibee to exit the game, leading to Connor Brogdon taking over for the Guardians.
Despite the Mariners’ efforts, including Canzone’s second home run in the seventh, Cleveland maintained their lead. DeLauter’s second homer in the ninth added more cushion, leading to a 6-4 final score. Cade Smith finished the game with a clean ninth inning, securing the save for the Guardians.
What’s Next: Seattle will look to bounce back with RHP George Kirby on the mound for Game 2 of the four-game series against Cleveland’s RHP Gavin Williams.
