Mariners vs Pirates Recap: Young's HR Keys 3-2 Win

The Seattle Mariners rolled into Pittsburgh on Tuesday night with a 40-39 record, hungry to climb back into contention. The Pirates sat at 39-39, tied in the standings and needing a win to grab control of their own destiny. Both teams came in riding one-game winning streaks. You could feel the energy at the stadium as first pitch approached. The Mariners were missing star designated hitter Dominic Canzone due to a hamstring injury. George Kirby took the mound for Seattle, ready to shut down Pittsburgh's bats. The Pirates struck first in the second inning when Marcell Ozuna singled to center, bringing a run across. Then in the third, a throwing error by J.P. Crawford allowed another Pirates run to score. Pittsburgh led 2-0 early, and the momentum belonged entirely to the home team.

Seattle's bats came alive in the fourth inning when Cal Raleigh stepped up to the plate. The catcher crushed a fastball deep to right-center field—the ball rocketed off his bat and sailed 393 feet over the wall. One swing, and the Mariners were back in the game at 2-1. The Pirates' pitcher Mitch Keller was feeling the heat now. Two innings later in the seventh, Cole Young hammered another sweeper from Keller into right field for a two-run home run. That blast brought Luke Raley home and gave Seattle a 3-2 lead. Young's power stroke proved to be the game-winner. The Mariners' lineup suddenly looked dangerous, with two home runs shifting everything in their favor completely.

As the game moved into the later innings, the Mariners' pitching staff took over completely. George Kirby pitched six strong innings, striking out five Pirates while allowing just one earned run. The bullpen was lights out down the stretch. Jose Ferrer, Eduard Bazardo, and closer Andres Munoz each recorded scoreless innings to preserve Seattle's lead. Munoz was absolutely dominant, racking up three strikeouts in just one inning of work. The Pirates never got another chance to threaten. When the final out was recorded, Seattle had pulled off a 3-2 victory. The Mariners improved to 41-39, moving one game ahead in their race. Pittsburgh dropped to 39-40, falling just below the playoff line. It was a huge win for Seattle on the road.