Mariners crush Guardians 5-1 as rookie DeLauter stuns in MLB debut
The Seattle Mariners opened the 2026 season with a strong 5-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter made an instant impact in his debut, while veteran pitching and clutch hitting secured the win for Seattle under manager Dan Wilson. DeLauter announced his arrival in style, crushing a 422-foot solo home run (111.1 mph) in his first at-bat of the first inning. He added a second solo shot later in the game, finishing 3-for-5 with three runs—leading MLB in home runs after just two days. His performance surpassed his limited 2025 postseason stats (one hit in two games) and matched his strong Minor League record (.302/.384/.504, 20 HR in 138 games) and dominant 2026 Spring Training (.429 BA, 1.157 OPS).
The Mariners responded quickly. Cole Young homered in the fourth inning, then made a diving stop to rob José Ramírez of a hit. Luke Raley extended the lead in the sixth with a two-run blast. On defence, Randy Arozarena threw out Rhys Hoskins at home to end the fifth, preserving a narrow lead. George Kirby delivered six solid innings, allowing just one run despite walking two batters in the fifth—a rare lapse in his career. The bullpen took over from there, with Eduard Bazardo, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz each pitching a scoreless frame to seal the win.
The Mariners' balanced attack and sharp defence set the tone for their 2026 campaign. Kirby earned the win, while DeLauter's historic debut and Raley's power hitting provided early firepower. Seattle's bullpen ensured no late comeback, locking down the 5-1 victory.
