Seattle Mariners Closer Etches Name into Team Record Books with Big Save

The Seattle Mariners were able to bounce back in a major way Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Mariners suffered the worst result from a run-differential standpoint in franchise history and one of the worst losses in MLB history, a 22-0 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

On Wednesday, Seattle responded favorably with a 7-5 win against Milwaukee.

The Mariners scored all seven of their runs in the first two innings, which was enough to stave off a late rally attempt from the National League Central-leading Brewers.

Seattle closer Andres Munoz was able to shut the door on Milwaukee. In the bottom of the ninth inning, he struck out one batter and didn't allow a hit or a free base. It was his 23rd save of the season in 30 opportunities.

After earning his 100th career save the other day in Houston, this one was also special. This was his 100th career save with the Mariners specifically, which catapulted him onto an impressive list of former Mariners relievers.

Munoz became the fourth pitcher in Seattle history to reach 100 saves, joining Kazuhiro Sasaki (129), Edwin Diaz (109) and J.J. Putz (101).

The milestone likely means that much more for Munoz, who had a rough first half of the season before reaching the form that earned him an invitation to the Midsummer Classic in 2024 and 2025.

From the beginning of the season to the All-Star Break (July 13), Munoz had a 4.19 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched and 16 saves in 51 appearances.

In July, Munoz was able to get back to his usual form and had 1.13 ERA with 12 fanned batters in eight innings pitched across eight appearances. He was a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities.

Munoz has struggled again in August. He's posted a 5.63 ERA with 14 strikeouts in eight innings of work across eight outings this month. Most of the damage came from a blown save opportunity against the Houston Astros on Aug. 14 where he surrendered five runs (four earned) in 0.2 innings of work.

Following Munoz's 100th M's save and Seattle's two-run win against Milwaukee, the Mariners are 2.5 games out of the final wild card spot in the American League and four games out of first place in the American League West.

If the Mariners hope to make the final push back to the postseason, then Munoz will likely need to consistently replicate the form he had over the last two seasons.

The Mariners and Brewers will finish out their series on Thursday at 11:10 a.m. PT.