The M's had to wait until the bottom of the ninth inning to walk it off on Monday night, but they did just that by beating the Yankees 2-1 at T-Mobile Park. Here's what you need to know.
SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners topped the New York Yankees 2-1 in front of a frigid crowd at T-Mobile Park on Monday night. The series-opening win has the M's out to a 3-2 start on the season and gives them two chances to take the series from New York.
A series win could also loom large come October as the two teams figure to jockey for playoff positioning and seeds.
Here's what you need to know from the victory.
1) An off day for Cal Raleigh is never guaranteed
The M's MVP runner-up wasn't in the lineup for the first time, but still found his way into the game. In a 1-1 game in the seventh, he struck out as a pinch-hitter with runners on first and third and one out, but he ended coming through and winning the game in that identical situation in the bottom of the ninth.
Raleigh is still just 3-for-17 this season, but after the game he said he understands that things will turn around. He stayed mentally ready, saying that as a catcher, you are always just one foul tip away from getting into the contest. He did not have to catch though, entering the game as the designated hitter.
2) Middle of the order remains cold
Josh Naylor went 0-for-4, remaining hitless for the season, and Julio Rodriguez went 0-for-4 as well and is hitting just .053. By comparison, Raleigh looks downright hot at the plate.
3) Bottom of the order is stepping up
Speaking after the game, Raleigh and manager Dan Wilson both complimented the bottom of the order. Leo Rivas was 2-for-4, sparking both scoring rally's with singles while Cole Young was 3-for-4 and is out to a .333 start.
Though he's at the top of the order, Brendan Donovan is also hot, hitting .444 through five games.
4) Luis Castillo hits personal milestone
'The Rock' recorded his 1,500th career strikeout in the victory. After the game, he was proud of the accomplishment and longevity it has taken to achieve it. He appreciated the brotherhood of his fellow starters, who congratulated him, and Raleigh was happy for his teammate's success as well.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo (58) throws against the New York Yankees during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images5) Bullpen mostly solid
Jose Ferrer gave up a single and a wild pitch, getting charged with an unearned run in the outing, but Eduard Bazardo (0.2 innings), Gabe Speier (one) and Matt Brash (one) shut the door. Brash earned his first win of the season, striking out one and giving up one hit.
The performances were extra big considering that Andres Munoz was reportedly down for the day.
6) Luke Raley is OK
There were a handful of scenarios where Raley could have been inserted into the game, but was not. Manager Dan Wilson said Raley was "all good."
The Mariners and the Yankees will play again on Tuesday night at 6:40 p.m. PT. Logan Gilbert will pitch against Max Fried in a battle of aces.
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