SEATTLE (September 8, 2025). In a game that remained tense until the sixth inning, the Seattle Mariners overcame a 2-0 deficit with a quick-strike rally to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2. Josh Naylor’s clutch hitting, combined with solid pitching, anchored the Mariners’ third straight victory and bolstered their postseason push.

Stellar Starting Pitching Sets the Stage

Seattle starter Bryan Woo shut down the Cardinals for six strong innings, allowing only two runs on three hits, walking none, and striking out nine, tying his personal high. The only scoring occurred in the fourth inning, when Alec Burleson, who had just been activated from the injured list, hit a two-run homer to center, giving the Cardinals a temporary 2-0 lead.

The Sixth-Inning Breakthrough

Everything changed in the bottom of the sixth:

Batting ninth, Leo Rivas fouled off several tough pitches before drawing a grueling nine-pitch walk to start the inning.

Randy Arozarena followed with a sharp single up the middle, bringing runners to the corners.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol turned to reliever Gordon Graceffo, who quickly walked Cal Raleigh, loading the bases.

Julio Rodríguez delivered an early offering and ripped a single through short, scoring Rivas and ending the scoreless streak. But Seattle wasn’t finished.

With the bases still jammed, Josh Naylor hit a two-run double into the right-center gap on Graceffo’s first pitch, converting a 2-0 defeat into a 3-2 lead.

Naylor then executed a heads-up steal of third base while Polanco was at the plate, an alert move that provided additional insurance.

Jorge Polanco delivered the payoff with a deep sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 4–2.

As manager Dan Wilson stated, “Offensively, we know we can strike and strike quickly,” which was demonstrated in that 14-pitch burst.

Bullpen Closes the Deal

With the lead firmly established, Seattle turned to its bullpen. Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo each delivered perfect relief innings, paving the way for the closer. Andrés Muñoz worked a tidy ninth to earn his 33rd save, allowing only one runner while locking in the 4-2 win.

Bigger Picture: Standings & Momentum

This win moves the Mariners to 76-68, two games behind Houston in the AL West and 1.5 games ahead of Texas for the final Wild Card spot. It also continues their hot streak: Seattle is 17-6 since the All-Star break, the best record in MLB during that time.

Why This Matters

Timing is everything. The late-game surge reminds us that in baseball, the game never ends until the last out, especially when you have offensive weapons who can strike with little prodding.

Pitching balance wins games. Woo’s outing gave Seattle a chance, and the bullpen sealed the deal.

Heads-up baseball. Rivas’ walk and Naylor’s steal will not appear on every scoreboard, but they are important nonetheless.

Final Thought

Monday night’s game may not have been a high-scoring blowout, but it showcased the Mariners’ evolved identity: poised, opportunistic, and resilient.

Josh Naylor’s clutch double, paired with savvy baserunning and steady arms, turned a tight matchup into the latest chapter of Seattle’s playoff chase. If they keep finding ways to win like this, their postseason hopes look brighter than ever.