The Seattle Mariners lost 6-5 to the Cleveland Guardians in the 10th inning on March 29, following a late home run and bullpen challenges. Bryan Woo, who started for the Mariners, took responsibility for his performance despite pitching well except for one inning.
This game was significant as it marked the start of the season and highlighted early issues with Seattle’s pitching staff. The Mariners faced difficulties managing their bullpen due to limited availability of some relievers.
Woo said, “I’ve got to do a better job of keeping teams down when they’re down.” He allowed a walk and an RBI double in the sixth inning before being replaced. After his exit, Eduard Bazardo walked two batters and gave up a go-ahead single. Manager Dan Wilson explained postgame that he had to manage with a limited bullpen but did not provide specific details about which pitchers were unavailable. “There were a couple guys that obviously needed a little bit of rest,” Wilson said. “And so you have to, again, weigh all those odds, all those factors especially here early in the season and understanding that it’s a long year.”
The Mariners tied the game in the ninth with Julio Rodríguez’s first hit of the season after starting 0-for-10 at bat. Luke Raley also contributed with his third home run in as many days late in the game.
However, Andrés Muñoz surrendered a two-run home run to rookie Chase DeLauter shortly after entering during extra innings, resulting in Seattle’s loss. Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan praised DeLauter’s effort: “That’s an elite pitcher, an elite fastball… To execute it too, to have the hand-eye and all that, it’s still so impressive.”
Wilson reflected on decisions regarding reliever usage throughout the night: “‘Zardo is a guy that we really trust,” Wilson said, “and Kwan was just able to flip that ball to left field and get the big hit… But it just was one of those tough ones tonight.”
Seattle continues facing challenges with its relief pitching as Carlos Vargas remains on injured list due to injury and other relievers are managed carefully early in this long baseball season.
