It was a night for big numbers in Seattle.
Julio Rodríguez hit a pair of homers, including going back-to-back with Cal Raleigh, and the Mariners beat the Rays 7-4 on Saturday. Cole Young drew four of the lineup’s eight walks, and Josh Naylor returned with a strong performance all around. They won their sixth straight game and are now a half-game back of the Astros in the AL West.
The Mariners retired Ichiro’s number 51 in a ceremony before the game. It began with a handful of tributes from fans and former players (even Tom Brady wished him well). The team announced plans for an Ichiro statute at T-Mobile Park next season, which elicited one the less-subtle flickers of emotion Ichiro displayed throughout the evening.
Then he spoke, with the same introspection and wit he delivered in his Hall of Fame speech last month
“I would like to begin by quoting my favorite philosopher, George Kenneth Griffey Jr. — ‘I am damn proud to be a Seattle Mariner.’” Ichiro said. “I realized that by going away, there really is no place like home. So yes, I am damn proud to be a Seattle Mariner.”
Ichiro spoke of number 51 with reverence. He carved out time to honor Randy Johnson, who will have his own number 51 retired in Seattle next year. He also gave a nod to Rick Rizzs and credited him for establishing his identity as number 51 in Seattle.
Aug 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners former outfielder Ichiro Suzuki speaks during a ceremony to retire his number before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Ichiro ended his speech by turning to the dugout. He admitted to unrealistic expectations following the 116-win season in 2001: “At the time, I thought winning was easy, and I took our success for granted.
“You guys are strong and talented. Please do not take your talent for granted. You have a great team and a great opportunity in front of you. I understand there is pressure to win, but the thing about winning is it is always tough and never comes without pressure. Accept the pressure and figure out how you can perform at your best under pressure.
“I come to the field everyday because I want to help you be prepared for the moment. I am confident you can seize that moment.
“Now, let’s play ball.”
And they did. The Mariners lineup wasted no time getting to Rays’ starting pitcher Joe Boyle. Randy Arozarena walked to lead off the first, and Julio followed by crushing a two-run homer 436 feet to center field.
In the third, Young drew a leadoff walk and Arozarena singled. Cal Raleigh turned around a 100-mph fastball for a three-run home run to left-center — his 44th homer of the season. On the next pitch, Julio laced a 113.4 line drive into the left field corner for his second homer of the game.
T-Mobile Park roared at the sequence of events. Julio came off the field hoisting the trident and willing the 45,249 in attendance even louder.
“It was perfect,” Julio said of the night. “Before the game, in my head I was like ‘we got to get this one for Ichiro.’
“The energy at the beginning of the game was unmatched.”
The Mariners couldn’t find another big hit against the Rays’ bullpen, but they did continue to create pressure. The lineup finished with seven hits and eight walks, including four walks from Young. They saw a total of 186 pitches in their eight turns to the plate — the most they’ve seen in the first eight innings this season. A chunk of those pitches came on a 17-pitch at bat from J.P. Crawford (who eventually lined out).
One highlight from Saturday was Josh Naylor returned to the lineup after exiting Thursday’s game with a shoulder injury. Naylor went 2-for-4 with two doubles and four hard hit balls. He stole his 11th base since joining the club in July and tied the Mariners single-season stolen base record for first baseman. He also made a nice diving play on defense.
Logan Evans pitched well for a bit again. He gave up a homer to the second batter of the game, but he was otherwise perfect on the first pass through the Rays’ order. On the second pass, he scattered two walks and a single while picking up three strikeouts. On the third pass, he gave up a walk and a single before getting pulled with one out in the sixth inning.
Caleb Ferguson came on to try to get out of the jam. He threw a pair of fastballs to get the count to 0-2 against Home Run Derby runner-up Junior Caminero. Then he threw a third fastball mostly right down the middle and Caminero crushed it 419 feet to center field for a three-run homer. The lead was down to 6-4.
But the Mariners would get one back in the bottom of the inning after Young walked and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch. Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier were perfect in the seventh and eighth, and Andrés Muñoz closed out the 7-4 victory.
The Mariners won their sixth straight game and third straight series. They now have the same number of wins as the Astros and are considered the favorites to win the AL West for the first time since June 2.