Mariners slug past A’s 9-2 to win opener of big series

The Seattle Mariners used the long ball and their piggybacking pitchers to take a chunk out of the Athletics’ lead in the AL West on Monday night.

Seattle Mariners 9, Athletics 2: Box score | Standings

Luke Raley, Dominic Canzone, J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena all homered to help the Mariners take down the first-place A’s 9-2 in Sacramento. With the victory, Seattle (26-29) moved within 1 1/2 games of the A’s (27-27) in the standings.

The Mariners also moved a game ahead in the division of the Texas Rangers (24-29), who were no-hit in a loss to the Houston Astros (24-31) earlier in the night.

Seattle had a much better outcome with their second try of piggybacking starting pitchers Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller in the same game. Castillo threw four scoreless innings as the starter, striking out six while allowing just two hits and two walks. Miller went the final five frames, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts.

The Mariners lost 2-1 to Chicago last week when Miller and Castillo piggybacked, with Seattle blowing a one-run lead in the ninth after letting Castillo begin the inning and turning to closer Andrés Muñoz only after two batters reached base. This time, the offense made it a much easier task.

Seattle erupted in the third inning Monday with six runs, including a two-out RBI double by Arozarena to make it 2-0.

Raley quickly doubled the advantage in the next at-bat with a two-run homer to right.

LUUUUUKE! pic.twitter.com/WsrGlYdcU8

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 26, 2026

Canzone followed with a two-run homer to right of his own, plating Cole Young, who had doubled to reach base.

Mamma Mia! pic.twitter.com/2Xwe03JYkR

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 26, 2026

The Mariners had five straight hits with two outs in the inning.

Crawford tacked on another run for Seattle with a homer to center to lead off the fourth.

Launch party 🚀 pic.twitter.com/CvYjjvm9Hb

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 26, 2026

Arozarena had a two-run blast to left-center in the ninth.

Rookie third baseman Colt Emerson, who went 4 for 4 on Sunday, was the only player in the Mariners’ starting lineup to go without a hit Monday. Emerson did walk and score a run, however.

Game 2 of the series is set for 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, with Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports beginning at 5:30 with the pregame show.

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