Sun Jul 06 03:50:00 UTC 2025: **Mariners Squander Opportunity, Fall to Royals 3-2 Despite Strong Start from Rookie Evans**
**SEATTLE, WA** – The Seattle Mariners (45-42) failed to capitalize on a chance to secure a four-game series win against the Kansas City Royals, falling 3-2 Thursday night at T-Mobile Park. Despite a promising debut from rookie pitcher Logan Evans, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma earlier in the day, the Mariners struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-11 in those crucial situations.
The game came down to the wire in the bottom of the ninth with the tying and winning runs on base. However, star outfielder Julio Rodríguez struck out looking against Royals closer Carlos Estévez – his fourth strikeout of the night – and Cal Raleigh grounded out to end the game.
“I thought he was pitched tough tonight. That was a tough pitch,” said Mariners manager Dan Wilson about Rodriguez’s strikeout. “I think he’s been swinging the bat well, and we’ve seen a lot of good stuff from Julio. And tonight was just a tough night.”
The Mariners’ offense was powered by solo home runs from Dominic Canzone and Jorge Polanco, but they couldn’t overcome a three-run Royals rally in the seventh inning. A pivotal play occurred when Bobby Witt Jr. slid around Raleigh’s attempted tag at the plate to score the go-ahead run.
“[Witt] just wanted to avoid the tag, and kind of do whatever he can to avoid the tag,” Wilson said.
The loss was especially frustrating for the Mariners, who missed an opportunity to gain ground in the AL West after the Houston Astros lost. Seattle now sits just 1 1/2 games ahead of the final AL Wild Card spot.
Looking ahead, the Mariners face a quick turnaround for a matinee game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is also approaching a challenging road trip to New York and Detroit after Monday’s off-day.
First Piper 