Rob Refsnyder hit a go-ahead, pinch-hit solo home run in the ninth inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 26, completing a series sweep at Busch Stadium.
The result was significant for Seattle, which had entered the series with only one road victory this season. The three wins in St. Louis were all close games and relied heavily on strong performances from the bullpen.
Manager Dan Wilson said, “We’ve got guys we trust in those spots. And they just continue to do the job.” Over three games, Mariners relievers pitched 12 innings and allowed only two runs—both coming in Saturday’s game. Different pitchers handled different situations throughout the series but achieved consistent results.
On Sunday, with regular relievers Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash unavailable after pitching back-to-back games, Gabe Speier bridged out of the sixth inning, Eduard Bazardo delivered a clean eighth inning, and Jose A. Ferrer closed out his first save for Seattle after throwing two innings the previous day. Ferrer said through an interpreter: “I think it’s the focus. Just trying to put zeros on the board.”
Players highlighted how clear roles have contributed to success. Refsnyder said, “It seems like guys are very confident in their roles and know their roles. I think that speaks volumes about the coaching staff.” Catcher Cal Raleigh added: “They’re a massive part of this team. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”
Starting pitcher Emerson Hancock worked six innings despite allowing seven hits and two solo homers but managed to limit further damage by stranding runners each inning. Hancock explained his approach as: “I think just trying to slow it down… In those moments things can get sped up.”
After his key at-bat was kept alive by an ABS challenge overturning a called third strike before hitting his home run, Refsnyder reflected: “Honestly, I haven’t really been coming through for the team,” he said. “So to come through in that moment felt really, really good.” Wilson concluded about his bullpen: “It’s a great luxury to have—the type of bullpen that we have right now.”
