Bronx, NY — The New York Yankees erased a one-run deficit with a four-run seventh inning, rallying past the Seattle Mariners 4-1 Tuesday night before 41,407 fans at Yankee Stadium.
The victory gave New York another important win in the American League playoff race, while Seattle continued its difficult stretch with its fifth consecutive loss and 14th defeat in its last 19 games.
The Yankees’ offense was quiet for much of the night before breaking through in the seventh. Luis García Jr. started the rally with his second double of the game, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. followed with a single to put runners at the corners.
Rookie Spencer Jones then drew a one-out walk to load the bases, setting the stage for Ryan McMahon.
McMahon delivered, lining a two-run single to give New York its first lead of the night. Trent Grisham followed with another two-run single, pushing the Yankees’ advantage to 4-1 and sending the Yankee Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
The late offensive surge backed a strong performance from New York’s pitching staff.
Ryan Weathers dominated Seattle through most of his outing, carrying a one-hit shutout into the sixth inning and extending his career-best scoreless streak to 23 innings. He eventually departed after allowing a runner in the sixth, finishing with two hits and three walks while striking out several key Mariners hitters.
Randy Arozarena finally broke through against Weathers in the sixth, launching an opposite-field home run into the short porch in right field. The blast gave Seattle a temporary 1-0 advantage and marked only the Mariners’ second hit of the night at that point.
Weathers had retired 11 consecutive batters before Arozarena’s home run.
Tim Hill came out of the bullpen with a runner aboard in the sixth and immediately shut down the threat, retiring all four batters he faced. Brent Headrick followed with a scoreless eighth inning, striking out two.
David Bednar then closed the door in the ninth for his 27th save of the season.
Seattle starter Bryan Woo was equally effective early, continuing his recent stretch of strong pitching. Woo worked five scoreless innings before turning the game over to the Mariners’ bullpen.
The Mariners, however, couldn’t hold the lead after New York finally broke through in the seventh.
Seattle’s offensive struggles have become increasingly concerning. The Mariners have scored only five runs during their five-game losing streak and nine runs over their last seven games.
Seattle entered the nine-game road trip hoping to make up ground in the playoff race but instead has dropped further behind. The Mariners are now 56-64, a season-low eight games below .500.
The Yankees also had a scare late in the game when Chisholm appeared shaken up while attempting to field Dominic Canzone’s infield single in the ninth. Chisholm remained in the game and quickly showed he was fine, making an outstanding defensive play shortly afterward.
Seattle was without first baseman Josh Naylor, who received the night off while dealing with a sore right wrist.
New York’s starting rotation has also been a major factor during its recent run. Yankees starters have surrendered no more than one run in 10 of their last 13 games.
The Yankees will look to continue their momentum Wednesday when the two teams meet again in the middle game of the series.
Up Next:
Mariners: Right-hander Bryce Miller (4-6, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday night.
Yankees: Right-hander Will Warren (8-6, 4.18 ERA) gets the start for New York.
