Julio Rodriguez delivers a go-ahead RBI single to lift the Mariners past Royals 3-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.

Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.

Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.

Key moment

Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) watches the solo home run from Seattle Mariners’ Randy Arozarena fly over the fence during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone’s ball fallen for a hit.

Key stat

Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career. He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.

Up next

Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.