There's no denying that the Seattle Mariners had a disappointing start to the 2026 season. It wasn't until the fifth series of the season, a four-game set against the Houston Astros from April 10-13, that the M's won their first series of the year.

Entering Friday, when Seattle arrived to Busch Stadium in St. Louis for three games against the St. Louis Cardinals, the former had still yet to win a road series in 2026.

The Mariners were able to check off that box and swept the Cardinals in the three-game series, pulling to one game below .500 (14-15) and extending their win streak to four games dating back to a series finale against the Athletics on April 22.

Seattle wrapped up the series against St. Louis with a 3-2 win on Sunday. Outfielder Rob Refsnyder provided the go-ahead knock for the M's, connecting for a pinch-hit, solo home run in the top of the ninth inning.

According to a post on "X" from Alex Mayer of the Mariners communications department, that go-ahead homer put Refsnyder in a category all by himself in Seattle's franchise history.

According to Mayer, Refsnyder is the first player in M's history to have a lead-off home run and a pinch-hit/go-ahead homer in the ninth inning or later in the same season.

Refsnyder reached that feat with his first two home runs with the Mariners.

Refsnyder was signed by Seattle this offseason to a one-year, $6.25 million contract. He joined the organization with a reputation as one of the best hitters against left-handed pitching in the majors. He's been used almost exclusively as a starter against lefty starters or as a pinch-hitter when the opposing team has brought as a southpaw as a bullpen.

Despite that reputation, Refsnyder had a slow start to the year. He went 0-for-18 in his first nine games with the team.

Refsnyder snapped that dry spell with his aforementioned lead-off homer, which came on the first pitch of a game against the Texas Rangers on April 19. The Mariners ultimately won that game 5-2.

Since breaking his dry spell, Refsnyder has gone 4-for-15 with two homers and three RBIs and has reached base a fifth time via a walk.

Seattle has approached right field as a platoon this season, with Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone as the right field/designated hitter combination against right-handed pitching and Refsnyder and Victor Robles taking DH and right field responsibilities against southpaws, respectively. 

Refsnyder has gotten more time in the field with catcher Cal Raleigh sliding into the DH role against left-handers since Robles was placed on the injured list with a right pectoral strain April 8.

It took several weeks to get there, but it appears the Mariners are finally getting the results from the platoon they expected when they signed Refsnyder this offseason.'

The M's will take on the Minnesota Twins on Monday afternoon at 4:40 p.m. PT.

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