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TORONTO – In a thrilling matchup at Rogers Centre, the Seattle Mariners edged the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 after 12 innings, thanks to a crucial bases-loaded single from Randy Arozarena followed by Rowdy Tellez’s explosive two-out grand slam. With this victory, the Mariners tied the three-game series, setting the stage for the decisive game on Sunday.
Arozarena’s single sent the ball to right field, and Tellez, hitting a 430-foot homer off reliever Jacob Barnes (0-1), showcased his power at a critical moment. Andres Munoz (1-0) earned the win after delivering a flawless 10th inning, as the Mariners improved their record to 11-10, marking their third win in four games. The Blue Jays, who had their three-game winning streak halted, fell to 12-9 in front of a lively crowd of 36,775 spectators.
The Blue Jays managed to take a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning when Bo Bichette delivered a bloop single, bringing Ernie Clement home. However, the momentum shifted when Mariners rookie third baseman Ben Williamson hit a leadoff homer in the seventh, tying the game on Jose Berrios’ 82nd and final pitch.
Toronto’s starting pitcher Berrios completed six-plus innings, allowing three runs on four hits along with four walks and striking out three. On the other hand, Logan Gilbert of Seattle pitched for 4 â…” innings, conceding two runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out nine Blue Jays batters.
In a standout performance, Toronto’s newcomer Andres Gimenez recorded three hits, which included a double and two singles, while Clement added three singles to his tally.
TAKEAWAYS
Mariners: Tellez, weighing in at 270 pounds, is substantially heavier than Toronto rookie Alan Roden. Their encounter in the fifth inning was notable; Roden’s grounder was fielded by Seattle reliever Collin Snider, leading to a close out with Tellez flattening Roden in the process.
Blue Jays: Gold-glove outfielder Daulton Varsho, who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season, was anticipated to return as a designated hitter for triple-A Dunedin. If his rehabilitation progresses well, he may join triple-A Buffalo before rejoining the Blue Jays by the end of the month.
KEY MOMENT
A pivotal moment in the game came when Roden struck out with the bases loaded, ending the third inning and leaving crucial runs on the table for Toronto.
KEY STAT
Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh contributed significantly with a two-run double in the sixth inning, bringing his RBI total to 18 in 20 games against Toronto, with 12 of those coming in just 10 games at Rogers Centre.
UP NEXT
In the series finale on Sunday, the Blue Jays will send left-hander Easton Lucas (2-1) to the mound, while the Mariners will counter with veteran Luis Castillo (1-2).
Source
globalnews.ca