On Tuesday night, Logan Gilbert’s stellar pitching performance and Julio Rodriguez’s first home run of the season powered the Seattle Mariners to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Texas Rangers. This win marked a significant milestone for the Mariners, as they knocked the reigning World Series champion Rangers out of first place for the first time this season and claimed the top spot in the AL West division.
Gilbert’s dominance on the mound was undeniable. The right-hander pitched into the seventh inning, allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. His 100-pitch outing extended the Mariners’ impressive streak to 11 consecutive games with their starting pitchers pitching at least five innings and allowing no more than two earned runs.
In the third inning, Rodriguez showcased his power at the plate, launching a two-run home run that sailed 434 feet and landed deep in the second deck of left field. This blast put the Mariners up 4-0, a lead they would hold for the remainder of the game.
Raleigh’s two-run homer in the first inning had given the Mariners an early advantage, and the bullpen trio of Ryne Stanek, Gabe Speier, and Andrés Muñoz combined to seal the shutout, Seattle’s third of the season.
The Rangers, who began the season with a 6-2 record, have now dropped six of their last ten games and find themselves below .500 for the first time since Bochy took over as manager. Despite their recent struggles, Bochy remains confident in his team’s ability to rebound.
With this victory, the Mariners have now won eight of their last ten games and hold a half-game lead over the Rangers in the AL West. Gilbert’s impressive start and Rodriguez’s timely home run have played pivotal roles in Seattle’s recent success. As the season progresses, the Mariners will look to continue their winning ways and maintain their position at the top of the division.
