In a game highlighted by remarkable starting pitching, Mitch Garver’s ninth-inning two-run homer secured a 2-1 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.
Both starting pitchers, Max Fried for Atlanta and Bryce Miller for Seattle, delivered outstanding performances, each throwing six innings without allowing a hit. This rare occurrence marked just the seventh time in the last 50 years that both teams maintained a no-hitter into the seventh inning, the first since 2021.
However, the game culminated with Garver’s significant contribution, marking his first career walkoff home run with Seattle. Despite struggling in the early part of the season, Garver’s decisive swing of the bat brought him a moment of triumph.
Reflecting on the win, Garver expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute to the team’s success, especially during a challenging period for himself.
The game-winning sequence began with Jorge Polanco’s single off the first pitch from A.J. Minter in the ninth inning.
Garver patiently worked the count to 3-2 before capitalizing on a cutter left over the middle of the plate by Minter, sending the ball soaring over left field for his third home run of the season.
Seattle’s late-game heroics stole some attention from the remarkable pitching performances by Fried and Miler, both of whom were incredibly difficult for the opposing batters to hit.
“Fried pitched exceptionally well tonight,” said Fried. “He had great control over all his pitches and kept us guessing. I knew I had to step up and match his performance as best as I could.”
In a game that had the intensity of postseason play, the leaders of their respective divisions showcased dominant pitching. Fried extended his scoreless streak to 15 2/3 innings, building on his strong performance against Miami in his previous start.
Miller, on the other hand, matched Atlanta’s left-handed pitcher stride for stride. He maintained a perfect game until the sixth inning, and although a two-batter sequence in the seventh inning broke his no-hit bid, it was still an impressive showing.
“I try to focus on each pitch and each inning, not letting the pressure get to me,” Miller explained.
The pivotal moment came in the seventh inning when Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a hard groundball that deflected off the glove of shortstop Dylan Moore for an infield hit, ending Miller’s no-hit bid. Acuña then capitalized on his speed, stealing both second and third base before scoring on Ozzie Albies’ double to right-center field.
