SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners kicked off their 2025 season with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night, March 27, at T-Mobile Park, highlighting the excitement of Opening Day. This year, the Mariners celebrated not only their season opener but also the legacy of new Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
In a game that saw dramatic late-inning heroics, Jorge Polanco and Randy Arozarena delivered pivotal eighth-inning home runs that turned the tide for Seattle. Arozarena tied the game at 2-2 with a powerful shot to left field, setting the stage for Polanco's two-out, two-run blast to dead center that ultimately sealed the victory.
“It felt great to contribute to the team on such an important day,” Polanco said after the game. “We knew we had to keep fighting, and I'm just glad I could help us get the win.”
On the opposing side, Tyler Soderstrom made headlines for the Athletics, hitting two solo home runs in his team’s first game of the post-Oakland era. His second homer put the A's ahead 2-1 in the eighth, but the Mariners quickly responded to reclaim the lead.
“We played hard, but we just couldn’t hold on,” Soderstrom remarked candidly. “It’s a tough loss, but there’s a lot of season left to go.”
The game featured strong performances from both starting pitchers. Seattle's Logan Gilbert shone on the mound, striking out eight batters while allowing just two hits over seven innings. He demonstrated remarkable control and composure, which set the tone early in the game.
“Logan was fantastic tonight,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “He kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win. That’s what you want from your ace on Opening Day.”
On the other side, Athletics starter Luis Severino also put forth a commendable effort, spreading three hits over six innings. He faced challenges with runners in scoring position but managed to escape jams in the fifth and sixth innings, striking out Rowdy Tellez to end his night.
“I felt good out there, but it’s disappointing not to get the result we wanted,” Severino stated. “We have to regroup and come back stronger.”
As the game progressed into the ninth inning, Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz faced a bit of a scare, walking Lawrence Butler to start the frame. However, he quickly regained his composure, recording a strikeout before inducing a double-play grounder from JJ Bleday. Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford showcased his defensive skills, tagging Butler as he ran to second before throwing out Bleday to end the game.
“That’s how you finish a game,” Crawford said. “We all work hard for moments like that, and it’s great to see it pay off.”
The Mariners' victory also marked an impressive Opening Day record, as they improved to 30-19 on this special occasion since their inception in 1977, boasting a .612 winning percentage that ranks them among the best in Major League Baseball history.
As the Mariners celebrate this Opening Day triumph, they look ahead to their next matchup against the Athletics, with left-hander Jeffrey Springs making his first start for Oakland after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He’ll face Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, who is looking to build on his previous season’s performance.
“We’re excited to keep the momentum going,” Servais added. “This is just the start of what we hope will be a great season.”
With the season just beginning, the Mariners are poised to make a significant impact in the league, and fans are hopeful for another exciting year of baseball in Seattle.
