Mariners Clinch Victory Over Royals with Munoz’s Impeccable Performance

SEATTLE: Displaying impressive form, Randy Arozarena homered for the fourth time in three games, contributing two runs as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-2 at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday.

Arozarena’s remarkable 418-foot solo home run against Royals relief pitcher John Schreiber leveled the score in the sixth inning. Subsequently, the Mariners secured the lead by scoring twice.

Julio Rodriguez, after failing to capitalize with the bases loaded in the fifth, redeemed himself by hitting a first-pitch cutter off Steven Cruz, who had replaced Angel Zerpa. The ball deflected past Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, allowing Seattle to move ahead 2-1.

Ben Williamson commenced the seventh inning with a double and advanced further due to a fielding error by Cole Young.

The Royals countered in the eighth when Bobby Witt Jr. singled and later scored on Salvador Perez’s second RBI single, narrowing the score to 3-2.

Andres Munoz of the Mariners secured the victory by pitching a flawless ninth inning, earning his 19th save of the season.

Both starting pitchers delivered solid performances but did not qualify for the win. Royals rookie Noah Cameron pitched four and two-thirds scoreless innings, recording five strikeouts. Logan Gilbert of Seattle, in his second start since returning from an injury, allowed one run over four and two-thirds innings, striking out seven.

Carlos Vargas was credited with the win in relief for the AL West-leading Mariners, who rested their regular catcher, Cal Raleigh, after he was announced as an All-Star Game starter earlier in the day.