Seattle struck first in the sixth inning, capitalizing on a misplay to take a 1-0 lead. Victor Robles singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error before scoring on a sacrifice fly. The Rays, however, were undeterred. In the top of the seventh, Siri came through in the clutch, delivering a two-run blast that turned the game in Tampa Bay’s favor. Yandy Díaz then extended the lead in the eighth inning with a solo home run, giving the Rays some breathing room.
The Mariners did not go quietly, responding with a run in the bottom of the eighth inning thanks to a two-out RBI single by Cal Raleigh. With the score now 3-2, the tension at T-Mobile Park was palpable as the game headed into the final frame. The Rays’ bullpen, however, held firm. Despite a two-out single in the ninth inning, Manuel Rodríguez struck out pinch-hitter Luke Raley to secure the save and the victory for Tampa Bay.
The win brought the Rays back to a .500 record, marking the 32nd time this season they’ve hovered at that mark—a testament to the up-and-down nature of their campaign. For Jose Siri, the home run was his 17th of the season, with five of those coming in crucial situations where his team was either tying the game or taking the lead.
Meanwhile, the Mariners were left to reflect on missed opportunities, particularly after Gilbert’s strong performance went unrewarded. Seattle’s manager praised Gilbert’s resilience following a tough previous outing, but it was the Rays who made the most of their chances when it counted most.
Looking ahead, the Rays have yet to announce their starter for the next game as they continue their push towards the postseason. For the Mariners, Luis Castillo will take the mound in hopes of bouncing back after a couple of rough starts. As both teams continue to battle through the final stretch of the season, this closely fought game could be a precursor to more dramatic moments in the days ahead.
First pitch at 4:10PM EST.
Tonight’s matchup against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park promises to be an intense battle as both teams are fighting for crucial wins in the final stretch of the season. The Rays, sitting at 66-66, are looking to build on the momentum from last night’s victory, while the Mariners, with a 67-65 record, are eager to bounce back.
Starting on the mound for Seattle will be Luis Castillo, who currently holds a 10-12 record with a 3.66 ERA. Castillo has had some rough outings recently but remains a key figure in the Mariners’ rotation. The Rays, on the other hand, are going with Drew Rasmussen, who will be making his first start of the season after being activated from the injured list. Rasmussen has a 2.70 ERA, and the Rays will be cautious with his workload as he continues to recover.
The game will likely be a low-scoring affair, with both teams having strong pitching and defensive capabilities. The Mariners have a slight edge according to predictive models, giving them a 56% chance of winning tonight’s game. However, the Rays have shown resilience, and with the addition of key players returning from injuries, they are more than capable of pulling off a win.
Look out for Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, who has been on fire recently, leading the team in OPS and contributing crucial hits in key moments. For the Mariners, Randy Arozarena will be facing his former team for the final time this season, adding an extra layer of drama to the contest.
FAQs
1. How did Jose Siri contribute to the Rays’ victory?
Siri’s two-run homer in the seventh inning provided the winning margin for the Rays against the Mariners.
2. Who were the standout pitchers in the game?
Jeffrey Springs delivered a strong performance for the Rays, while Logan Gilbert impressed for the Mariners with 10 strikeouts over six innings.
