SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners secured their first win of the 2026 season Friday night, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 5-1. A strong offensive showing, highlighted by home runs from Luke Raley and Cole Young, coupled with a solid performance from starter George Kirby, propelled the Mariners to victory in front of a home crowd.
Raley’s second home run in as many games proved to be the decisive blow, extending Seattle’s lead and solidifying the win. The Mariners, reigning AL West champions, demonstrated their power at the plate, signaling a potentially potent offense this season. The game also showcased the emergence of young talent, particularly second baseman Cole Young, who delivered a key three-run homer.
The Mariners’ offensive surge began in the fourth inning with Young’s three-run shot off Guardians starter Gavin Williams. The blast, a 390-foot drive, gave Seattle a significant lead. Later in the game, Raley added to the lead with his own home run, plating two runs and pushing the score to 5-1.
🚨 LUKE RALEY AGAIN! 🚨
Another homer for Raley as the Mariners take a 5-1 lead! 🤩pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9
Despite a strong start from Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter, who continued his impressive early-season form with a first-inning home run, the Guardians’ offense was largely contained by Kirby. DeLauter’s home run marked his third in his first two major league games, joining Trevor Story (2016) and Joe Cunningham (1954) as the only players since 1900 to achieve that feat, according to ESPN.
Kirby Shines on the Mound
Kirby delivered a strong six-inning performance, allowing only one run and one hit beyond DeLauter’s early homer. He struck out six batters and walked two, demonstrating command and control throughout his outing. A key moment came in the fifth inning when the Guardians loaded the bases with one out, but Kirby induced a shallow fly ball and Randy Arozarena threw out Rhys Hoskins attempting to score from third, preserving the Mariners’ lead.
The Guardians’ offense, which had shown promise in Thursday’s 6-4 win, struggled to generate consistent offense against Kirby and the Mariners’ bullpen. Whereas DeLauter’s early power was a bright spot, the team was unable to capitalize on opportunities, leaving runners stranded and failing to mount a significant comeback.
Young’s Impact and Future Outlook
Cole Young’s three-run home run was a significant moment for the young second baseman, showcasing his potential as a key contributor to the Mariners’ lineup. His ability to deliver in a crucial situation underscored his growing confidence and skill. The Mariners are hoping Young will continue to develop and become a cornerstone of their offense for years to arrive.
Looking ahead, the Mariners will continue their four-game series against the Guardians on Saturday. Left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo is scheduled to take the mound for Cleveland, while right-handed pitcher Bryan Woo will start for Seattle. The Mariners will aim to build on Friday’s victory and maintain their momentum as they navigate the early stages of the 2026 season.
The Mariners’ win provides a positive start to their season and demonstrates their potential to contend for another AL West title. With a combination of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the team appears well-positioned for success. Fans can expect an exciting season filled with competitive baseball and thrilling moments.
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