Seattle Mariners Hold Off Late Surge, Defeating White Sox 8-6
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners secured an 8-6 victory against the Chicago White Sox on August 16, 2023, at T-Mobile Park, thanks to a strong early performance. With this win, the Mariners improved their season record to 62-53, marking the first time they have been nine games above .500 this year. Following the game, Seattle is now just two games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West and holds a slim one-game lead over the New York Yankees for the second AL Wild Card spot.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised his team’s efforts after the game, stating, “Really nice ball game tonight. To get that second game — big for us. … I thought offensively we did a lot of great things, especially doing them early.”
Seattle’s offensive onslaught was evident early on, as seven of the team’s eight runs came within the first two innings. The scoring began with a remarkable 450-foot home run by first baseman Josh Naylor, who has continued to impress since being acquired by the Mariners. In a standout performance, Naylor recorded a two-run homer and two steals within a single inning for the second consecutive game.
“I just want to take every opportunity and try to make the best of it,” Naylor expressed after the match. “Whether it’s hitting four, five, seven, eight, nine (in the lineup) — I really don’t care. I just want to impact the game the best I can.”
In the second inning, catcher Cal Raleigh added to the scoreboard with a two-RBI single, followed by a three-run homer from center fielder Julio Rodriguez. This aggressive start allowed Seattle’s starting pitcher, George Kirby, some breathing room on the mound. Kirby faced a bases-loaded situation in the third inning but managed to escape unscathed. He concluded the game with an impressive stat line of nine strikeouts, two walks, and two runs allowed on five hits over six innings, notching his third consecutive quality start.
“They’re gonna be swinging, so I don’t have to throw it in the zone,” Kirby explained. “As long as I make it look like a strike, I should be able to get a swing or a swing-and-a-miss off it — some weak contact.”
As the game progressed, the White Sox capitalized on Kirby’s departure, scoring three runs off reliever Eduard Bazardo in the seventh inning. Designated hitter Mike Tauchman contributed a two-run homer, and second baseman Lenyn Sosa followed with a solo shot, narrowing the Mariners’ lead.
In response, Rodriguez added an insurance run for Seattle in the bottom of the seventh with a sacrifice fly hit by third baseman Eugenio Suarez. However, the White Sox continued to push back, as Chicago right fielder Michael Taylor hit a solo home run to start the ninth inning off All-Star reliever Andres Munoz. This marked the first homer Munoz had allowed since May 30, contributing to a tense finish with a final score of 8-6.
Munoz faced further challenges, walking the next two batters, but successfully navigated through the situation to earn his 26th save of the season.
Looking ahead, the Mariners will seek a series sweep against the White Sox in the finale scheduled for 1:10 p.m. PT on Thursday. Logan Gilbert is set to take the mound for Seattle, while the White Sox will counter with Shane Smith.
The Mariners’ recent form and resilience could be crucial as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the coming weeks.
