Mariners Win Opening Day Thriller Against Athletics 4-2

SEATTLE, Washington – The Seattle Mariners launched their 2025 MLB season with a spirited 4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Opening Day, March 27, at T-Mobile Park. A near-sellout crowd of 42,871 watched as both teams displayed their power hitters, but it was the Mariners who emerged victorious in a gripping finish.

Logan Gilbert, making his debut as the Opening Day starter after a standout 2024 season, faced Athletics pitcher Luis Severino, who started his first game for Oakland after signing a significant three-year, $67 million contract. The matchup was highly anticipated, and Gilbert lived up to the expectations, pitching seven innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven batters, showcasing control and composure throughout the game.

After a tense battle, it was Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics who broke the deadlock in the fifth inning, launching a massive 432-foot home run to center field, giving his team a 1-0 lead. However, the Mariners quickly retaliated in the seventh inning when Victor Robles hit a sacrifice fly, scoring J.P. Crawford to tie the game at 1-1 and electrify the home crowd.

In the eighth inning, the game ignited with fireworks as Randy Arozarena crushed a 424-foot home run to left field, giving the Mariners a 2-1 advantage. The excitement escalated when Jorge Polanco followed suit, hitting a two-run homer that stretched Seattle’s lead to 4-1. The atmosphere was electric, and fans were on the edge of their seats.

Yet, the Athletics were not ready to concede. Soderstrom struck again, hitting his second homer of the night in the same inning to narrow the Mariners’ lead to 4-2. Tension filled T-Mobile Park as Oakland sought to rally for a comeback.

As the game progressed into the ninth inning, Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz entered the mound, tasked with sealing the victory. The crowd erupted as he struck out the final batter, solidifying the win for Seattle and marking a triumphant start to the season.

This Opening Day win was made even more special by the presence of Ichiro Suzuki, the legendary Mariners outfielder and Hall of Famer, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. His appearance served as a reminder of the team’s rich history and instilled hope for a bright future.

“It’s always special to start the season with a win, especially at home,” Gilbert said following the game. “The crowd was incredible, and it felt good to contribute to that energy.”

The Mariners’ bats, which were a concern during the offseason, came alive, particularly in the late innings. Arozarena’s and Polanco’s performances proved crucial, underscoring the team’s depth and potential. Manager Dan Wilson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We knew it was going to take a full team effort to get through this game, and we saw that today. The guys really stepped up when it mattered.”

Severino’s debut for the Athletics presented mixed results—while he allowed four runs over eight innings, he also demonstrated flashes of his ability with several strikeouts. Despite the loss, he remains hopeful for improvement as the season unfolds.

With considerable offseason changes, including a move from Oakland to West Sacramento and acquiring key players like Severino, the Athletics are determined to compete in the AL West. Soderstrom’s performance suggests he could be a vital part of their future success.

Looking ahead, the Mariners and Athletics will meet again on March 28, with Jeffrey Springs on the mound for Oakland and Luis Castillo for Seattle. Both teams are eager to establish their presence in what promises to be a competitive season.

The Mariners are considered one of the frontrunners in the AL West, with playoff aspirations on the horizon. According to FanGraphs, they have a 61.4% chance of making the postseason, while Baseball Prospectus offers a slightly better 68.8% chance. The team is eager to build upon last season’s successes and make a deeper run in October.

As Mariners fans celebrate the thrilling Opening Day win, there is hope that this season will bring more memorable moments and victories as they strive to reclaim their status as playoff contenders in the American League.