SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners dropped a disappointing 6-4 Opening Night contest against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night at T-Mobile Park. The highly-anticipated season is out to an 0-1 start, but luckily there are 161 games to go.

Here's a handful of takeaways from the first contest of the season, in no particular order.

The M's had a pregame ceremony that lasted more than 30 minutes, blending the past with the present in the franchises's 50th season. Former M's players David Segui and Ruppert Jones were part of the festivities, as was Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Former Seattle SuperSonics star Gary Payton was also in the crowd, but we didn't learn that until the game had already started.

You can see all the highlights from the festivities here.

Acquired this offseason from the St. Louis Cardinals, Donovan homered in his first at-bat as a Mariner, becoming the first M's player to ever hit a leadoff homer on Opening Day. He also had a check swing double later in the game as he showed the value of not striking out and putting the ball in play.

Manager Dan Wilson complimented Raleigh's defensive work behind the plate, but the MVP runner-up from 2025 was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk with the bat. He had runners and 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the fifth in one of those strikeout situations.

Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena were 1-for-15 with a double and seven strikeouts. You won't win many games that way.

Rodriguez also struck out three times. Naylor bounced into a double play in the first inning after swinging at a 3-0 pitch.

We got our first look at lefty Jose Ferrer, who was acquired this offseason from the Washington Nationals. Ferrer showed off an upper-90s fastball, and though he didn't give up any runs, he did give up two hits in just 0.2 innings.

Speier handled the top of the seventh inning, giving up a single to Brayan Rocchio with one out and a single to Chase DeLauter with two outs. That set up a 1st and 3rd situation for Jose Ramirez, who golfed a two-run double that gave Cleveland a 5-3 lead at the time.

Speier gave up a pair of homers in the World Baseball Classic and ended up getting the loss here, surrendering the two earned runs. The pitch to Ramirez wasn't bad, but giving up two hits in front of him rarely leads to good results.

People are mad at Wilson for how he handled the bullpen in the seventh. I refer you to my lengthy post on X.

After the game, Wilson said that you have to weigh decisions early in the season. It seemed clear he didn't want to use all the leverage guys in a deficit, likely for fear of not having guys available for Friday's game, especially if Friday's game becomes one that the team can win. That could be why we didn't see Matt Brash or Eduard Bazardo or even Carlos Vargas.

It should be noted: I am aware that Ramirez hits lefties better than righties. Had it been September, I would have gone to Brash, but it's not September, and I don't want to poke holes in Speier's confidence right away by taking him out. 

Dominic Canzone hit two home runs and Luke Raley hit one. The plan against right-handed pitching was in full effect on Opening Night. Wilson complimented Canzone's power and presence, saying he looked good at spring training after returning from the WBC.

The M's Opening Day starter didn't factor into the decision, giving up three earned runs on five hits over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven and didn't walk anyone. He tossed 59 strikes in 86 pitches and Gilbert said he didn't use the PitchCom device that was talked about in spring training. He said he didn't feel like he needed it and was on the same page with Cal Raleigh. It doesn't mean he'll never use it moving forward, but he didn't on Thursday.

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