Sun Apr 06 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Giants Edge Mariners in Thrilling 11-Inning Home Opener

**SAN FRANCISCO** – The San Francisco Giants kicked off their 2025 season with a dramatic 10-9, 11-inning victory over the Seattle Mariners in a four-hour, three-minute marathon that featured seven lead changes and showcased both thrilling plays and defensive miscues. Willy Adames provided the game-winning hit, a two-run single in the bottom of the 11th, securing the Giants’ 12th walk-off home opener win since 1958.

The game, played before a packed Oracle Park celebrating the stadium’s 25th anniversary, lived up to the hype. After a pre-game highlight reel featuring iconic moments from the park’s history, the action on the field was non-stop.

Justin Verlander, making his home debut after a stint in Houston, had a short but eventful start, lasting only 2 1/3 innings and surrendering three runs. The Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena both reached base, contributing to the runs against the veteran pitcher.

While Verlander struggled, Adames showcased his all-around talent. He made a spectacular leaping catch to rob Rodríguez of a hit, but Rodríguez later got the best of him with a hard-hit single that glanced off Adames’ glove. Adames also had trouble handling some ground balls. The Giants, previously boasting a perfect errorless season, finally made a mistake in the seventh when Tyler Fitzgerald missed a grounder, allowing the Mariners to score three unearned runs.

Despite the defensive lapses, the Giants offense proved resilient. LaMonte Wade Jr. went 3-for-6 with two RBIs, and the team battled back from deficits throughout the game. A missed scoring opportunity in the ninth sent the game into extra innings, where Adames’ clutch hit ended the game.

Manager Bob Melvin praised his team’s grit: “A lot of twists and turns,” he said. “But for an Opening Day like that, with a packed house, nobody left for one second. It seemed like there was drama every single inning.” Adames echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement over the team’s resilience. Verlander, while acknowledging the team’s early-season miscues, expressed confidence in the Giants’ potential. “Good teams find different ways to win ballgames,” he stated. “This team has something special.” The win improves the Giants’ record to 6-1.

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