Mariners Game #89 Preview: PIT at SEA, 7/5/25

After yesterday’s big win with plenty of fireworks over the Pittsburgh Piratesthe Mariners are back at T-Mobile Park for game two of a three game set. This is the last home stand until after the All-Star break, so it will be a while before Mariners fans will get a chance to see them in person.

Lineups:

Seattle Mariners

Pittsburgh Pirates

It’s bump day for Luis Castillo. His last time out was a no decision in Texas on June 29th in which he gave up 1 run in 6 innings while striking out 4. Castillo is no stranger to the Pirates, having formerly shared a division with them when he played for the Reds. The matchup history is friendly for Luis, with only Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Pirates’ 9-hole hitter tonight, having consistent success against him (5×11, 1HR).

On the offensive side of things, Cal Raleigh is batting third. After his 2-home run game yesterday, he is tied for most home runs before the All-Star break by a Seattle Mariner (35, Ken Griffey Jr.). He is also tied with Mike Piazza for the most home runs through a catcher’s first 5 seasons in MLB history (128). He is also only the 9th player — and first catcher — in MLB history to reach 35+ homers in 88 team games, and the first to do it since Barry Bonds in 2001. Long story short: Cal can hit the baseball.

Randy Arozarena, meanwhile, has gotten really hot this week. Since Monday he’s batting .421 and has launched 5 homers for and OPS of 1.611.

In other news, Jorge Polanco is batting fifth and is DHing tonight. It’s his birthday, so no one can be mean to him. He is also sitting at 998 career hits, so a pair of knocks would be a great birthday gift for him.

Game Information:

• Game Time: 7:10pm PDT
• Radio: Seattle Sports 710AM with Gary Hill Jr., Rich Waltz, and Angie Mentink on the call.
• TV: ROOT Sports with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith in the booth and Jen Mueller as field reporter.

Today in Mariners History:

• 1997 – Infielder Rich Amaral hits into a 8-6-3 triple play.
• 2011 – Jamey Wright earned his first career save in his 500th career appearance in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A’s in 10 innings. It is the 2nd most career appearances to notch a first career save, trailing only Frank Tanana, who had his first save in his 530th career appearance.
• 2015 – Nelson Cruz is voted as the starting designated hitter for the American League squad in the 86th MLB All-Star game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati…Cruz earns his 4th All-Star selection (2009, 2013-14) and 2nd consecutive fan-elected start.
• 2022 – Julio Rodríguez named AL Player of the Week.