Mariners win national anthem standoff against White Sox

The Seattle Mariners picked up a small victory before Wednesday’s series rubber match against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago even started.

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In one of baseball’s quirkiest and somewhat rare traditions, Mariners catcher Mitch Garver and utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni got into a national anthem standoff with White Sox relievers Cam Booser and Fraser Ellard that lasted several minutes leading up to the first pitch from Chicago starter Shane Smith.

Just before Smith threw his first pitch, Ellard retreated to the White Sox dugout, leaving Booser in a two-on-one standoff. Garver slowly started moved towards the M’s dugout, but was still just in front of the steps when Booser – a Seattle native and Fife High School product – waved the white flag and joined Ellard in the home dugout.

Neither Mastrobuoni nore Garver were in the starting lineup for Seattle on Wednesday. Booser was presumably down for the day after pitching back-to-back outings in the series’ first two games. Ellard is currently on the injured list with a left lat strain.

The last time the M’s were in a notable anthem standoff was back on Sept. 25, 2022, when ex-Mariner Robbie Ray outlasted Royals reliever (and future Mariners teammate) Luke Weaver during a series finale in Kansas City. That standoff actually delayed the start of the game and caused Ray and Weaver to be ejected.

No one was ejected in the standoff between the M’s and White Sox on Wednesday, and the game started on time despite threats of delay due to rain.

The Mariners entered Wednesday in first place with a 2 1/2-game lead in the AL West at 27-20. Radio coverage of M’s matchup with the White Sox can be heard on 710 AM Seattle Sports or the Seattle Sports app.

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