Wed Sep 10 02:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Mariners Rally Late to Defeat Cardinals, Gain Ground in AL West
**Seattle, WA** – After a quiet first five innings, the Seattle Mariners (76-68) erupted for four runs in the sixth inning to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals (XX-XX) Monday night at T-Mobile Park. The victory, a welcome change after squandering earlier scoring opportunities, propels the Mariners to within two games of the AL West-leading Houston Astros.
Starting pitcher Bryan Woo delivered a strong performance, striking out a career-high nine batters over six innings while allowing two runs on three hits. After retiring the first nine Cardinals he faced, Woo surrendered a two-run home run to Alec Burleson in the fourth, putting the Mariners in a 2-0 hole.
The Mariners’ offense struggled against Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas early on, failing to score despite leadoff doubles in the fourth and fifth innings. However, in the bottom of the sixth, Leo Rivas drew a nine-pitch walk and Randy Arozarena singled, ending Mikolas’ night. Relief pitcher Gordon Graceffo entered and walked Cal Raleigh to load the bases. Julio Rodriguez then singled to drive in the Mariners’ first run. Josh Naylor followed with a two-run double to give Seattle the lead. Naylor then made a heads-up play, stealing third base and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Polanco to add an insurance run.
The Mariners’ bullpen shut down the Cardinals in the late innings, with Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo pitching scoreless innings. Andres Muñoz closed out the game in the ninth, earning his 33rd save.
“A really good way to start the homestand tonight,” said manager Dan Wilson, praising his team’s resilience. The Mariners are now 1.5 games ahead of the Texas Rangers and 2.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in the American League standings.
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