Julio Rodríguez and Mitch Garver each smashed two-run homers, while Luis Castillo pitched impressively for six innings as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Oakland Athletics 8-4 on Sunday.
Seattle bounced back to win two out of three games against the A’s after losing their first series in almost a month in Minnesota earlier this week. The Mariners relied heavily on their ability to hit home runs to secure the victory.
“Our team’s offense was really on point today. We applied early pressure, got some crucial hits, including home runs,” remarked Seattle manager Scott Servais. “I mentioned last night how impressed I was with Julio’s progress. His timing looked much better, and we saw that pay off today.”
Rodríguez’s homer, his second of the season, was his first at T-Mobile Park in Seattle’s 22nd home game. He launched a 2-2 pitch from Oakland starter Alex Wood straight to center field in the second inning, resulting in a two-run shot that extended Seattle’s lead to 5-0. The homer traveled an estimated 409 feet with an exit velocity of 109 mph.
“You need to remain patient and let the results come to you, and I’m thrilled that today was that day and I could contribute to the team’s victory,” said Rodríguez.
In the fifth inning, Rodríguez narrowly missed another homer, settling for a double off the top of the wall. However, he scored when Garver smashed his fifth homer of the season, extending Seattle’s lead to 7-1. Garver also drove in a run with a two-out RBI single in the first inning.
Seby Zavala joined the home run parade with his first of the season, a solo shot in the sixth inning.
