The Seattle Mariners captured their first win of the 2025 season after defeating the Athletics 4-2 on Thursday night at T-Mobile Park.
After setting career lows in batting average and on-base percentage in his first year with Seattle in 2024, infielder Jorge Polanco had to approach the 2025 campaign with a tabula rasa. With the Mariners (1-0) trailing entering the eighth frame, Polanco drove a trident-shaped dagger into the hearts of the Athletics (0-1) with a two-run home run to steal the win.
“This one is a special one for me,” Polanco said after the game. “I wasn’t really pressured. I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit. It sounded really good, so I knew it right off the bat.”
Seemingly headed for a frustrating Opening Day result, blockbuster trade deadline acquisition outfielder Randy Arozarena tied the game in the bottom of the eighth with a solo-home run past the left field wall. Shortly after, Polanco — who had already registered two hits in two at-bats earlier in the game — smashed one over dead-center field for the go-ahead run. Following that, infielder J.P. Crawford turned a double play in the top of the ninth to secure the final two outs.
“Great ballgame and a great way to start the year,” coach Dan Wilson said. “The late-inning heroics were unbelievable. Fans were outstanding. It was great to be at home for this one.”
The Mariners rotation is one of the deepest in the league. With names like George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, there was no wrong answer for the starting job. However, there was a right one. 2024 All-Star pitcher Logan Gilbert started and lasted seven innings, allowing one run on two hits while tossing eight strikeouts and yielding zero walks.
Seattle scored its first run of the season with a sacrifice fly to center field from outfielder Victor Robles that allowed Crawford to score.
Both of the Athletics’ runs came off the bat of infielder Tyler Soderstrom, who launched two solo-home runs.
Polanco led in hits and RBIs, and Mariners pitcher Trent Thornton picked up the win on the mound. Arozarena and designated hitter Luke Raley were the only other Mariners to register hits. Seattle won despite stranding seven runners on the bags and batting 0-3 with runners in scoring position.
The Mariners snapped their 20-year playoff drought in 2022 and haven’t done much since. After missing the playoffs once again in 2024, there were minimal changes to the roster. Seattle’s ownership has been the subject of criticism from both fans and players alike for years. However, at least for one night, fans can sleep soundlessly in Seattle.
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