The Seattle Mariners secured an 8-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 16, 2023, at T-Mobile Park, despite a late-game rally from their opponents. This win marked a significant milestone for the Mariners, bringing their season record to 62-53 and placing them nine games over .500 for the first time this year. Following the game, Seattle remained two games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West and held a one-game lead over the New York Yankees for the second Wild Card spot.
Manager Dan Wilson praised his team’s performance, highlighting their strong offensive start. “Really nice ball game tonight,” Wilson stated. “To get that second game — big for us. I thought offensively we did a lot of great things, especially doing them early. A lot of two-out runs across the board there early in the ball game. But just, really, some great at-bats. Lots of high pitch-count at-bats.”
The Mariners jumped out to an impressive lead, scoring seven of their eight runs within the first two innings. The offensive onslaught began with a spectacular 450-foot home run from first baseman Josh Naylor, who continued to showcase his talent since joining the team as a 2024 All-Star. In his recent performance, Naylor achieved another two-run homer along with two stolen bases within a single inning.
“I just want to take every opportunity and try to make the best of it,” Naylor expressed after the game. “Whether it’s hitting four, five, seven, eight, nine (in the lineup) — I really don’t care. I want to try and impact the game the best I can, I want to try and help the team win ball games. That’s the end goal.”
In the bottom of the second inning, catcher Cal Raleigh contributed a two-RBI single, followed by a three-run homer from center fielder Julio Rodriguez, extending Seattle’s lead to 7-1. This early advantage allowed starting pitcher George Kirby to navigate the aggressive lineup of the White Sox with relative ease.
Kirby faced a bases-loaded situation in the top of the third but managed to escape unscathed. He completed the game with a quality start, tossing 104 pitches over six innings, striking out nine while allowing two runs on five hits. This performance marked his third consecutive quality start. “They’re gonna be swinging, so I don’t have to throw it in the zone,” Kirby noted. “As long as I make it look like a strike, I should be able to get a swing or a swing-and-a-miss off it — some weak contact.”
The White Sox managed to mount a comeback in the seventh inning, scoring three runs against reliever Eduard Bazardo. Designated hitter Mike Tauchman hit a two-run homer, while second baseman Lenyn Sosa added a solo shot. However, Seattle responded with an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh, thanks to an RBI sacrifice fly from third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
As the game neared its conclusion, the White Sox continued their offensive push. In the ninth inning, right fielder Michael Taylor hit a solo home run off All-Star reliever Andres Munoz, marking the first home run Munoz had allowed since May 30. Despite back-to-back walks following the home run, Munoz managed to secure his 26th save of the season, sealing the victory for Seattle.
Looking ahead, the Mariners aim to complete a series sweep in the final game against the White Sox at 1:10 p.m. PT on Thursday. Logan Gilbert is set to take the mound for Seattle, while Shane Smith will start for Chicago.
