Athletics vs Mariners Recap: late 9th rally falls short

The Oakland Athletics traveled to Seattle to face the Mariners on Wednesday, April 22. Oakland came into the game looking to build on their previous victory, while Seattle aimed to bounce back after losing the day before. Both teams knew this matchup would test their pitching depth and offensive execution. Aaron Civale took the mound for the A's, while Logan Gilbert started for the Mariners. The game featured excellent baseball from both sides, with strong defensive plays and timely hitting. However, the Mariners ultimately prevailed in a competitive contest, winning five to four. This game showcased the kind of tight, back-and-forth baseball that makes spring competition so exciting.

Oakland started fast and aggressive in the first inning. Soderstrom hit a sacrifice fly that sent Kurtz across the plate for the first run. Then McNeil delivered a clutch single that allowed Langeliers to score on a fielding error by Seattle's center fielder. The A's suddenly led two to zero, and their early momentum looked dangerous. Wilson extended the lead in the third inning with a double to left field that brought Cortes home. Oakland's bats were clicking, and their runners moved smartly around the bases. This aggressive approach showed why Oakland remained competitive despite facing a strong Mariners pitching staff.

Seattle fought back with resilience, refusing to surrender despite Oakland's advantage. Raleigh smashed a powerful home run over the right field wall in the third inning, narrowing the gap to three to two. The Mariners continued applying pressure through the middle innings. Refsnyder delivered a sacrifice fly in the sixth that tied the game at three. Rodríguez added another run in the seventh, giving Seattle a four to three lead. However, Kurtz answered with a dramatic home run in the ninth inning that knotted things up at four. In the bottom of the ninth, Naylor singled to left, scoring Raleigh with the winning run. Seattle captured the thrilling contest five to four.