Mariners Secure Series Win Over Rangers with Late-Inning Heroics

Mitch Garver launched a two-run homer in the 12th inning, driving in four runs overall, as the Seattle Mariners triumphed over the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Sunday. This victory marked the conclusion of a gripping series where every game extended into extra innings.

In a tense 10th inning, the Mariners initially surged ahead 3-1 thanks to RBI singles from Donovan Solano and Garver. However, Corey Seager responded with a two-run homer that leveled the score. The Mariners had previously edged out the Rangers 7-6 in the series opener, only to fall 3-2 in the second game.

This series was notable for Texas, as it represented the first instance since September 2002 that three games in a single series went to extra innings. In that earlier series, the Mariners had won the first three games before the Rangers claimed victory in the finale.

Seattle's recent stretch of three consecutive extra-inning games marks the second occurrence this season. Currently, the Mariners hold a record of 6-7 in such games, trailing only Boston for the most extra-inning contests in Major League Baseball.

In the decisive 12th inning, Solano's groundout allowed automatic runner Luke Raley to cross home plate after third baseman Josh Jung mishandled the ball. Moments later, Garver connected on his fourth homer of the season, sending a powerful shot 437 feet into the left field second deck off Cole Winn (0-1).

Seager's earlier tying homer was his 10th of the season, an impressive opposite-field shot to left center off Carlos Vargas.

Trent Thornton (2-0) faced Seager's sacrifice fly in the 10th but managed to strike out two batters during his two-inning appearance.

Texas rookie Alejandro Osuna made a crucial play by throwing out Cal Raleigh at home during Seattle's two-run 10th inning. Had that not occurred, Seager's homer would not have tied the game.

Interestingly, four of Texas's last five games have gone into extra innings, with the Rangers leading the league with five such games since June 14. Prior to this stretch, they had set franchise records by completing their first 70 games of the season without extra innings and extending that streak to 95 games dating back to 2024.

The Mariners are set to return home after their second 10-day road trip this month, facing Kansas City on Monday with RHP George Kirby (1-4, 5.40 ERA) slated to start. Meanwhile, the Rangers will continue their six-game homestand against Baltimore, with LHP Patrick Corbin (4-7, 4.24) taking the mound.