Grayson Rodriguez delivered a masterful performance on Tuesday night, guiding the Baltimore Orioles to a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The game showcased Rodriguez’s pitching prowess as he limited the Mariners to just two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. His dominant outing set the tone for the Orioles’ success, marking their fifth win in six games following a challenging losing streak.
From the outset, Rodriguez displayed control and precision, retiring the first eight batters he faced and allowing only one hit through the initial five innings. His effectiveness was highlighted by crucial moments where he escaped potential scoring opportunities for Seattle, including inducing a key double play from Jorge Polanco in the fourth inning and striking out Cal Raleigh in the sixth.
Manager Brandon Hyde praised Rodriguez’s performance, particularly noting his exceptional changeup which kept the Mariners’ hitters off balance throughout the game. Despite a recent tough outing in Houston, Rodriguez showcased resilience and strategy, earning his 10th win of the season with a blend of well-executed pitches and strategic prowess on the mound.
Offensively, the Orioles capitalized on their opportunities, securing the win with timely hits. Anthony Santander played a pivotal role in the fourth inning, driving in the decisive run with an RBI single that brought Gunnar Henderson home, giving Baltimore a 1-0 lead. Cedric Mullins extended the lead to 2-0 in the seventh inning with another RBI single, contributing to George Kirby’s departure after 6 1/3 innings on the mound for Seattle.
Kirby, despite a solid outing with five strikeouts and allowing two earned runs on seven hits, was outmatched by Rodriguez’s stellar performance. The Orioles’ victory was notable as it marked their first win without a home run since May 31, showcasing their ability to manufacture runs through well-timed hitting and effective baserunning.
Defensively, Baltimore was sharp, highlighted by key plays and effective bullpen support. Yennier Cano and Cionel Pérez combined for two perfect innings of relief following Rodriguez’s departure, maintaining the Orioles’ shutout. Craig Kimbrel closed out the game in the ninth inning, securing his 20th save of the season and preserving the team’s victory despite a late scare from Cal Raleigh’s foul ball that nearly tied the game.
The loss extended Seattle’s losing streak to three games, emphasizing their struggles to generate offense against top-tier pitching performances like Rodriguez’s. Mariners manager Scott Servais acknowledged Baltimore’s strong performance, recognizing the challenge his team faced in breaking through against the Orioles’ pitching staff.
In roster news, both teams made strategic moves to bolster their lineups and pitching rotations. Seattle recalled catcher Seby Zavala from Triple-A Tacoma while making adjustments to their bullpen with the signing of right-handed pitcher Chris Devenski. Meanwhile, Baltimore activated pitcher Corbin Burnes and made corresponding moves to maintain roster flexibility and depth.
Overall, Rodriguez’s standout performance against Seattle underscored his emergence as a reliable ace for the Orioles, contributing significantly to their recent successes on the field. The game not only highlighted Baltimore’s strengths in pitching and situational hitting but also underscored the Mariners’ ongoing challenges in finding offensive consistency. As both teams continue their seasons, their strategic adjustments and player performances will be pivotal in shaping their respective playoff aspirations.
