SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners kicked off the 2025 MLB season with an electrifying 4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Opening Day, March 27, at T-Mobile Park. The near-sellout crowd of 42,871 witnessed a thrilling contest that saw both teams showcase their power hitters, but it was the Mariners who ultimately triumphed in the late innings.
Logan Gilbert, making his first Opening Day start after a stellar 2024 season, faced off against Luis Severino, who was debuting for the Athletics after signing a massive three-year, $67 million contract. The matchup was highly anticipated, with both pitchers coming off solid previous seasons.
Gilbert pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven batters. He threw 83 pitches, demonstrating his ability to control the game early on. However, it was Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics who broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a towering homer that sailed 432 feet into center field, putting the A's ahead 1-0.
Despite the early setback, the Mariners responded in the seventh inning. After a review overturned a potential run, Victor Robles delivered a sacrifice fly that scored J.P. Crawford, tying the game at 1-1. The energy in T-Mobile Park was palpable as the Mariners rallied, and the fans were eager for more.
The real fireworks came in the eighth inning. Randy Arozarena, who had been a standout during Spring Training, launched a 424-foot homer to left field, giving the Mariners a 2-1 lead. The excitement didn't stop there, as Jorge Polanco followed suit with a two-run blast of his own, pushing the score to 4-1.
However, the Athletics were not done yet. Soderstrom struck again, hitting his second homer of the game in the eighth inning, narrowing the Mariners' lead to 4-2. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the A's sought to mount a comeback.
As the game reached its conclusion, Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz entered the game in the ninth inning, looking to seal the victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as he struck out the final batter, securing the win for Seattle.
The Mariners' victory was not just a win on the scoreboard; it also marked a significant moment for the team and its fans. Ichiro Suzuki, the legendary Mariners outfielder and Hall of Famer, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, igniting nostalgia and excitement among the crowd. His presence was a reminder of the franchise's rich history and the hope for a bright future.
“It’s always special to start the season with a win, especially at home,” said Gilbert after the game. “The crowd was incredible, and it felt good to contribute to that energy.”
The Mariners' offense, which had been a point of concern during the offseason, showed signs of life, particularly in the late innings. Arozarena’s and Polanco’s performances were crucial, showcasing the depth and potential of the lineup. Manager Dan Wilson expressed his satisfaction with the team's resilience. “We knew it was going to take a full team effort to get through this game, and we saw that today,” Wilson stated. “The guys really stepped up when it mattered.”
On the other hand, Severino’s performance was a mixed bag. He struggled at times, allowing four runs over eight innings, but showed flashes of his potential with strikeouts and solid pitches. Despite the loss, he will look to build on this outing as the season progresses.
The Athletics have made significant changes over the offseason, including moving from Oakland to West Sacramento and acquiring key players like Severino. Their roster appears to have the potential to compete in the AL West, and Soderstrom’s performance on Opening Day suggests he could be a cornerstone for the future.
As the Mariners celebrate their Opening Day victory, they look ahead to the rest of the series against the Athletics. The teams will face off again on March 28, with Jeffrey Springs starting for the A's against Luis Castillo for the Mariners. Both teams are eager to prove themselves in what promises to be a competitive season.
The Mariners are seen as one of the top teams in the AL West, with playoff aspirations firmly in their sights. FanGraphs has given them a 61.4% chance of making the postseason, while Baseball Prospectus offers a slightly lower 68.8% chance. This season, the Mariners aim to build on their previous successes and make a deeper run into October.
With the excitement of Opening Day behind them, Mariners fans are hopeful that this season will bring more thrilling moments and victories as they strive to reclaim their place as a playoff contender in the American League.
