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Randy Arozarena hits 2 home runs including walk off
Randy Arozarena hit a leadoff home run, robbed a homer, and delivered a two-run walk-off blast as the Mariners edged the Cubs 5-4, despite Kade Anderson's rocky debut. The win moved Seattle within three games of the AL West lead while shrinking Chicago's wild-card cushion.
Arozarena's Historic Night Powers Mariners Past Cubs
SEATTLE — Randy Arozarena delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent Mariners history, hitting a leadoff home run and then a two-run walk-off blast in the ninth inning to lift Seattle to a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night at T-Mobile Park.
Arozarena, who also robbed a home run in left field, became the seventh player since 1900 to hit a leadoff homer and a walk-off homer in the same game, according to Elias. He is the first Mariners player to achieve the feat.
"I think it's my biggest game," Arozarena said through an interpreter. "I didn't expect to come into the game and hit two home runs and rob one. But yes, it was a special day for me, a special performance for myself. But most importantly, this moment in time for the team and being able to help the team win is the biggest thing for today."
Game Recap
Seattle trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth. Cubs closer Jacob Webb retired the first two batters on eight pitches, but Weston Wilson doubled to right-center to start a rally. Leo Rivas, the hero of Friday's walk-off win, singled to right to cut the deficit to one.
Arozarena then stepped in and, on a 1-1 slider from Webb, sent the ball 404 feet to straightaway center — over the head of Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong — for the game-winning two-run homer.
"My plan was to sit breaking ball," Arozarena said. "I saw some breaking balls yesterday from him, and he got the better of me. But I went in committed to that plan. When I've had doubt, it doesn't necessarily turn my way. But I was fully committed to my plan, and I was able to make the most of it."
Webb, who had not allowed a run in 24 consecutive appearances entering the game, surrendered three runs in the ninth. Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya said the plan was to "throw trash" because Arozarena would chase, but Webb hung a slider.
"Just some poor execution on my part," Webb said. "I'm human. I've been blessed to go on that little stretch, but just kind of refocus and get back out there."
Anderson's Debut
The game featured the highly anticipated MLB debut of Mariners left-hander Kade Anderson, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft. Anderson, 22, became the first player from his draft class to reach the majors. He allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, striking out five and throwing 81 pitches.
Anderson started strong, allowing only a sacrifice fly to Kevin Alcántara in the fifth inning as the Cubs took a brief lead. The Mariners had gone ahead in the first on Arozarena's leadoff homer off David Peterson — a 416-foot shot on the first pitch of the game — and added a run in the fifth on a Dominic Canzone RBI groundout.
Cubs' three-run sixth inning put them ahead for good, as Alex Bregman and Michael Busch hit back-to-back home runs off Anderson. Carlos Vargas relieved Anderson and allowed another run, making it 4-2.
Anderson, who had not thrown more than 80 pitches in any minor league start this season, said he was grateful the ball stayed in the park on Arozarena's catch in the third.
"I thought it was long gone, honestly," Anderson said. "I'm just grateful that ball stayed in the park."
Mariners manager Dan Wilson defended his decision to leave Anderson in for the sixth, saying the rookie "threw the ball extremely well" and showed poise. Anderson had about 20 friends and family in attendance from his native Louisiana.
Donovan Injury, Lineup Shuffle
Brendan Donovan was a late scratch after being hit in the head by a baseball in the batting cages before the game. Weston Wilson started at third base and batted eighth. Donovan was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list Sunday.
Arozarena, originally scheduled to bat second, was moved to the top of the order. He responded by hitting the first pitch he saw from Peterson for a home run.
Historic Achievement
Arozarena joined Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chris Young, Ian Kinsler, Reed Johnson, Darin Erstad and Vic Power as the only players to hit a leadoff and walk-off homer in the same game. Crow-Armstrong had done it just five days earlier against the Cubs, and Arozarena's walk-off sailed over his head.
Arozarena finished 3-for-4 with two home runs, three RBIs, a walk and the robbery. He is the first Mariners player to achieve the feat and one of only three to do it on his team's first and final pitches of the game.
"He's a special player," Anderson said. "He makes special plays like that. It's really fun to watch."
Standings and Up Next
Seattle (62-68) moved within three games of the AL West-leading Houston Astros and two games back of the final wild-card spot. The Cubs (74-56) saw their NL wild-card lead shrink to 4 1/2 games.
Mariners reliever Michael Rucker (1-4) earned the win with a scoreless ninth inning. Chicago starter David Peterson allowed two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out eight, but took a no-decision.
The teams conclude their series Sunday with Bryce Miller facing Shota Imanaga.
How each outlet told it
Associated Press
Framing: Centers Arozarena’s walk-off sending Mariners past Cubs 5-4; omits Anderson debut from headline — Measured — standard AP game recap phrasing
Facts Included:
Arozarena walk-off two-run HR; Mariners 5-4 over Cubs
404 feet to center off Jacob Webb (6-3)
Trailed 4-2 in ninth; Rivas two-out RBI single
Anderson debut: three ER in 5 2/3; top prospect; third overall 2025; first of draft class to debut
Rucker (1-4) first win
Standings: Seattle 62-68; Cubs 74-56; AL West and wild-card gaps
Arozarena third in MLB history with first-pitch HR and walk-off HR same game — days after PCA second; at Cubs’ expense
First pitch Peterson sinker 416 feet; 18th HR; ninth two-on two-out down two? (article says down pair then 5-4); Webb slider over PCA; also robbed HR
3-for-4 walk two HRs; quote biggest game via MLB.com
Seventh since 1900 leadoff+walk-off list with dates/opponents including PCA Aug 17 2026
Only PCA and Vic Power previously first-and-last pitch; Mariners 62-68; three behind Astros; WC chase; slash .275/.369/.463 OPS+ 139; 4.3 WAR leads team
Framing: Webb’s scoreless streak ends in second straight walk-off loss — Cubs/reliever-centric rather than Arozarena hero framing — Sympathetic to Webb/Cubs — “stellar scoreless appearances streak”; “dagger”; Counsell support quoted
Facts Included:
Jacob Webb’s 24 consecutive scoreless appearances streak ends; Cubs second straight walk-off loss 5-4
Webb retired first two ninth on eight pitches; Wilson double; Rivas RBI single; Arozarena walk-off 404 feet on hung slider
Arozarena earlier: leadoff HR off Peterson first pitch; robbed Amaya
Amaya on plan: “Throw trash, he’s going to chase”; Webb: poor execution; human; refocus
Streak since June 20; one of three Cubs relievers since 2000 with 24+ scoreless appearances (Chafin 26, Guthrie 24)
Counsell: “Baseball happened”; Webb held bullpen together; doesn’t change heck of a season
Peterson: 2 R, 4 H, 6 IP, 2 BB, 8 K; 2.20 ERA last eight games; acquired from Mets June 25
Cubs .826 OPS third time through; Bregman and Busch back-to-back HRs off Anderson; Hoerner and Taylor doubles off Vargas to 4-2; no hits final three innings
Cubs 74-56; skid ill-timed; WC lead trimmed; Imanaga next
Framing: Trade-plans reconsideration and “MLB history” after Arozarena’s feat; business/roster angle over pure game recap — Promotional/enthusiastic — “the whole world talking”; “almost unreal how quickly things change”
Facts Included:
Arozarena 5-4 walk-off win; leadoff HR and walk-off HR same game — 7th player in MLB history per ESPN Insights
List: PCA, Chris Young, Ian Kinsler, Reed Johnson, Darin Erstad, Vic Power; first in Mariners history
Donovan scratched after batting-cage head hit; Arozarena moved from second to leadoff
First-pitch 93-mph four-seamer from Peterson 416 feet; Alcántara sac fly; Busch and Bregman HRs; Vargas; Taylor ground-rule double to 4-2
Ninth: Wilson double, Rivas RBI single, Arozarena two-run walk-off
Robbed Amaya in third
Arozarena quote: biggest game with Mariners; two HRs and rob one; team win most important
Trade-deadline context: Mariners listened to offers; 1-year $15.65M; free agent after 2026; 3.5 bWAR; All-Star
Framing: Arozarena steals show in rookie’s debut — dual billing of star performance over debut narrative — Sympathetic to both Anderson and Arozarena — “strong debut”; detailed player and manager quotes
Facts Included:
Arozarena two HRs including walk-off two-run with two out in ninth; 5-4 win; sellout 45,681
Also robbed long ball (article says Kevin Alcantar in one place; Amaya context elsewhere in piece)
Anderson: three runs over 5 2/3; quotes grateful ball stayed in park; felt walk-off coming; “Randy’s a special player”
Rivas drove in Weston Wilson (late lineup add) who doubled; Arozarena plan quotes via Carlos Cardoza — sit breaking ball on Webb 85 mph sliders
Win to Michal Rucker; Anderson No. 3 pick LSU 2025
Dan Wilson on Anderson poise; stayed with him at 72 pitches vs Crow-Armstrong; double play; Bregman and Busch HRs on consecutive pitches
Anderson line: 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 81 pitches (53 strikes); ~20 friends/family from Louisiana
Minor-league context: 10-1, 1.06 ERA at Double-A Arkansas
Seventh player leadoff+walk-off same game; leadoff 415 feet off Peterson 94 mph
Donovan foul ball to head in cages per Mariners spokesperson; Wilson late replacement
Framing: Two home runs including walk-off — pure Arozarena feat headline — Celebratory club voice — “game of his career”; “sure looked unprecedented”
Facts Included:
Arozarena two HRs including walk-off; game of career with Mariners; 5-4 stun Cubs; also first pitch from leadoff after Donovan scratch; robbed Amaya — catch of year candidate
Quote: biggest game; two HR and rob one; team win biggest
Elias: seventh ever leadoff+walk-off; PCA most recent Monday; over PCA’s head five days later; list Young, Kinsler, Johnson, Erstad, Power
Joined only PCA and Power on very first and last pitches team saw
Anderson quote: saw it coming; special player; called up from Double-A for playoff push
Texas and Houston losses; Seattle 62-68 three back AL West; clinched series vs hot post-ASB Cubs
Ninth: 1-for-12 before final out trailing by two bases empty; strike one slider; Amaya “throw trash” plan; hung pitch
Robbery hang time 6.2 seconds; Arozarena on fans; leadoff 93.5 mph sinker 105.3 mph EV 416 feet; fifth Mariners leadoff HR hitter this year franchise record note
Framing: Declares performance the greatest game of Arozarena’s career (headline truncated in source as “Off Capped the Greatest Game of His Career”) — Celebratory/argumentative — “greatest single-game performance of his career”; “practically doesn’t exist” for comparable combo
Facts Included:
Arozarena greatest single-game career performance claim; 3-for-4, two HR, three RBI, walk; 5-4 win
Leadoff first-pitch HR, robbed HR, two-run walk-off; controlled four runs in one-run win; bailed out Anderson debut
Donovan scratched BP head hit; Arozarena moved up; 416 feet first pitch; robbed Amaya; ninth Webb second slider 404 feet
Seventh player leadoff+walk-off same game; one of three on team’s first and final pitches
Comparable May 19 2021 Rays game noted; Saturday edged for leadoff+walk-off
October 2020 postseason context as prior peak stage
Framing: Frames event as strange baseball unpredictability—good and bad—and floats AL West turnaround possibility tied to BP accident — Opinionated/columnist — “Of all the decisions Wilson has made with the bullpen... this may have been his worst in so many ways”
Facts Included:
Mariners 5-4 walk-off win Saturday at T-Mobile
Donovan hit in helmet by wayward fastball in batting cage; concussion evaluation; replaced by Weston Wilson; Arozarena moved to leadoff
Arozarena first-pitch HR off David Peterson for 1-0; later robbed Miguel Amaya at wall
Anderson debut; at 72 pitches starting sixth; had not thrown more than 80 in minor-league starts
Crow-Armstrong double; double play; Anderson left in vs Bregman then Busch — back-to-back HRs; Vargas allowed another run to 4-2
Ninth: Wilson double, Rivas single, Arozarena walk-off off Webb sliders
Dan Wilson criticized for not pulling Anderson; Vargas ready
Attendance context 45,681 for Anderson debut
Column also covers WSU, Gonzaga, EWU, other local sports
Framing: Mariners win on Arozarena walkoff in Anderson’s debut — balances both names — Dramatic and critical of management — “anxious sell-out crowd”; “questionably handled”; “anger and frustration from fans” eased but not erased
Facts Included:
Arozarena first-swing solo HR into The ’Pen; walk-off two-run off Webb slider 404 feet; 5-4; crowd 45,681 bedlam
Anderson highly anticipated debut; Wilson “questionably handled” usage leaving him in too long
Weston Wilson in lineup ~10 minutes before pitch after Donovan head hit in cage; doubled to start ninth rally; Rivas single; Arozarena
Arozarena quotes on plan (sit breaking ball), biggest game, robbed Amaya, team hunger/playoff fight
Astros and Rangers losses; Seattle 62-68 three back of Houston, game behind Rangers, two back of third WC
Anderson through five: 1 R, 3 H, 72 pitches; never >80 pitches at Arkansas; max 24 batters; Cubs .826 OPS third time through (2nd in MLB)
Vargas warming; Crow-Armstrong double; Suzuki DP; Bregman then Busch first-pitch HRs; Vargas another run; Anderson final 5 2/3, 3 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimRandy Arozarena hit a walk-off two-run home run as the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago Cubs 5-4 on Saturday night.
ClaimKade Anderson is 22 years old, was the third overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, and became the first player from his draft class to make his big-league debut.
ClaimSeattle took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a leadoff home run by Arozarena, and then added an RBI groundout by Dominic Canzone in the fifth inning.
ClaimManager Dan Wilson was criticized for leaving Anderson in too long; Anderson allowed a double to Pete Crow-Armstrong, then back-to-back home runs to Alex Bregman and Michael Busch in the sixth inning.
ClaimArozarena said through an interpreter that it was his biggest game with the Mariners, that he didn't expect to hit two home runs and rob one, but that helping the team win was most important.
ClaimArozarena planned to sit on the breaking ball against Jacob Webb, and Webb got a called strike on a first-pitch slider before Arozarena hit the second slider for the home run.
ClaimArozarena became just the second player to have two leadoff home runs and a walk-off home run in a two-game team span, joining Pete Crow-Armstrong.
ClaimCal Raleigh hit three home runs in a game, the first multi-homer game of his season and the first three-homer game of his career, in a 9-2 Mariners victory.