M’s 4-run ninth leads to 10-6 win over Twins

The Mariners showcased their offensive prowess with Cal Raleigh’s pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh inning, further solidifying their dominance with Mitch Haniger’s solo homer in the second and a pivotal sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Ryne Stanek emerged as the hero on the mound, securing the win after reliever Tayler Saucedo suffered an injury while making a play at first base. Andrés Muñoz sealed the deal with a flawless ninth inning.

Minnesota’s hopes were dashed by reliever Jorge Alcala’s struggles, as he surrendered four runs on four hits, along with two walks and a wild pitch during Seattle’s ninth-inning surge. The Twins, who had previously enjoyed a 12-game winning streak, stumbled with their second loss in three games.

The game’s intensity peaked in the final innings, highlighted by Raleigh’s clutch performance off the bench against left-hander Steven Okert, blasting a hanging slider into the third deck in left field at Target Field.

In a dramatic turn of events, pinch-hitter Austin Martin’s hit to France at first base led to chaos on the field. Martin slid safely into first while Saucedo received the throw from France and stepped on the bag. However, Saucedo slipped, allowing Max Kepler to dash home from third base.

After a tense moment, Saucedo was assisted off the field by the trainer, adding to the game’s emotional rollercoaster.

Ryan Jeffers injected hope for the Twins with a three-run homer in the third inning, extending his streak of reaching base safely in a career-high-tying 14 consecutive games.

Looking ahead, Seattle’s right-hander George Kirby (3-2, 3.76 ERA) is set to take the mound in the third game of the four-game series, facing off against Minnesota’s righty Chris Paddack (3-1, 4.78 ERA) on Wednesday night.