Arozarena's Clutch Homer Propels Mariners Past Orioles in Extra Innings

BALTIMORE (AP) — In a thrilling showdown, Randy Arozarena launched a two-run home run to kick off the 10th inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. This triumph marks the Mariners' 11th win in their last 14 games, bringing their record to 36-32 and putting them four games above .500 for the first time this season.

Mitch Garver also contributed to the Mariners' offense with a home run, while the Orioles made a late-game comeback, tying the score in the ninth inning with Coby Mayo’s two-run blast. This defeat marks the Orioles' fourth consecutive loss, their first losing streak of this length since early May.

Arozarena’s decisive hit came off Rico Garcia’s 0-1 slider, clearing the right-field fence and allowing automatic runner Julio Rodríguez to score. Garcia, who had previously been outstanding with only three runs allowed in 27 innings this year, suffered the loss, dropping his record to 3-1. In the top of the 10th, Seattle’s Nick Davila, recently promoted from Triple-A Tacoma, faced some pressure but managed to secure his first career save.

The Orioles had staged a rally in the ninth, scoring two runs off José A. Ferrer (1-1). After Mayo’s solo shot narrowed the gap, Jeremiah Jackson's single and Tyler O’Neill's ground-rule double set the stage for an exciting finish, as Jackson crossed the plate following a misplay by Ferrer.

Seattle's starter Logan Gilbert had a rocky start, giving up a sacrifice fly in the first inning and needing 58 pitches to navigate through just two frames. However, he regained his form, retiring the last 14 batters he faced and finishing with five strikeouts over six innings. Garver's home run in the fourth inning had earlier put the Mariners ahead 3-1, while Trevor Rogers, the Orioles' pitcher, allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Looking ahead, the Mariners will send right-hander George Kirby (5-5, 4.04 ERA) to the mound against Baltimore’s Brandon Young (4-1, 3.47) as the teams continue their four-game series on Wednesday.