The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners opened their three-game series with a dramatic finish at T-Mobile Park on Friday night, as Leo Rivas delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give Seattle a 6-5 victory.
The Mariners overcame an early three-run deficit before surviving a late Chicago comeback. The Cubs appeared close to victory in the ninth inning, but Alex Bregman’s second home run of the night forced extra innings before Seattle produced the decisive hit.
Cubs Take Early Control
Chicago wasted little time putting pressure on Seattle starter Emerson Hancock. Pete Crow-Armstrong opened the game with a leadoff home run before Alex Bregman followed with a two-run blast.
The Cubs quickly moved ahead 3-0, but Seattle responded in the bottom of the second.
Cal Raleigh Starts Mariners Comeback
Cal Raleigh provided the biggest offensive response for Seattle when he launched a three-run homer into the left-center-field area. His 14th home run of the season tied the game and shifted the momentum toward the Mariners.
Seattle then took the lead later in the inning. Cole Young reached base and displayed aggressive baserunning before scoring on Brendan Donovan’s two-out single.
The Mariners extended their advantage to 5-3 in the fifth inning. Brock Rodden reached on a throwing error and later scored on Randy Arozarena’s single.
Cubs Rally in the Late Innings
Chicago refused to let the game slip away.
Ian Happ opened the eighth inning with a home run off Eduard Bazardo, cutting Seattle’s lead to 5-4.
The Cubs then found another clutch moment in the ninth. With Andrés Muñoz attempting to close out the game, Bregman connected with a slider on an 0-2 count and hit his second home run of the night.
The solo homer tied the score at 5-5 and sent the game into extra innings.
Leo Rivas Delivers Walk-Off Hit
The decisive moment came in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Leo Rivas, who entered the game as a pinch-runner in the eighth, stepped to the plate with two outs and the winning run in scoring position. Facing Cubs reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, Rivas lined a sweeper into center field.
Randy Arozarena scored from second, giving the Mariners a 6-5 walk-off victory.
The hit capped a memorable night for Rivas and gave Seattle the opening-game victory in the three-game series.
Pitching Highlights
Emerson Hancock battled through a difficult first inning but settled down and kept the Mariners within reach. The Seattle right-hander completed 5⅔ innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking none.
Matthew Boyd struggled more against his former team. The Cubs starter allowed five runs, four earned, on six hits and two walks while striking out three.
Seranthony Domínguez pitched a scoreless 10th inning to earn the win for Seattle.
Cubs vs Mariners Series Continues
The Cubs entered the series with strong road numbers, while Seattle was looking to make the most of its home-field opportunity.
The second game of the series is particularly intriguing because Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson is scheduled to make his Major League debut. Anderson is expected to face the Cubs in a matchup that could attract significant attention around baseball.
Chicago will look to bounce back after surrendering a late lead, while Seattle will try to build momentum after its dramatic comeback.
Final Takeaway
The Cubs vs Mariners opener turned into an exciting extra-inning battle. Chicago’s early offense and Bregman’s two home runs gave the Cubs several opportunities to win, but Seattle repeatedly answered.
Cal Raleigh’s three-run homer sparked the Mariners’ comeback, while Leo Rivas provided the final blow with his walk-off single in the 10th inning.
The Mariners ultimately prevailed 6-5, taking the first game of the series and setting up another important matchup between the Cubs and Mariners.
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