Full Breakdown
Reds Edge Mariners 5-3 on Sal Stewart’s Seventh-Inning Blast
7/23/2026, 2:28:48 PM
Core Event
On July 21, 2026, the Cincinnati Reds overcame the Seattle Mariners 5–3 at T-Mobile Park. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when rookie first-baseman Sal Stewart belted a three-run home run on a first-pitch sinker from Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo, giving the Reds a 5–3 lead that held to the finish. The homer was Stewart’s 21st of the season and his third of the campaign against Seattle.
Background and AL West Implications
Seattle entered the game with a 51-52 record, trailing the Texas Rangers (51-50) by one game in the AL West. The loss marked the Mariners’ second straight defeat after a series-opening win, deepening concerns about their ability to stay above .500 as they head into a crucial four-game road stretch against the Rangers. Cincinnati, meanwhile, sought to keep its offense—rated at 90 wRC+, the 29th-best in MLB—productive in a series that could improve its standing in the NL Central.
Key Performances
- Sal Stewart (Reds) – Delivered the go-ahead three-run shot; his 21st homer of the year.
- Emilio Pagán (Reds) – Closed the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his ninth save of the season, his second consecutive day on the mound.
- Brady Singer (Reds starter) – Allowed three runs over 6 2/3 innings; the Reds’ early lead was built while he pitched.
- Eduard Bazardo (Mariners reliever) – Gave up the decisive homer after walking Edwin Arroyo and allowing a single to Ke’Bryan Hayes.
- Julio Rodríguez (Mariners) – Returned from a bench stint to serve as designated hitter; his presence was noted despite a lingering minor injury.
The previous night, the Reds had also beaten Seattle 4–2. Chase Burns, the Reds’ right-hander who recently signed a seven-year, $105 million contract, threw five scoreless innings, surrendering only three hits, striking out six and walking one. Eugenio Suárez homered off Seattle starter Luis Castillo, marking his 203rd career home run and tying him with Eric Davis for tenth on the Reds’ all-time list.
Data and Statistics
- Final Score: Reds 5, Mariners 3.
- Home Runs: Stewart (3-run, 21st of season), JJ Bleday (solo, earlier in game), Weston Wilson (Mariners, solo in seventh).
- Pitching:
- Reds: Brady Singer – 6 2/3 IP, 3 R; Emilio Pagán – 1-2-3 ninth for save.
- Mariners: Eduard Bazardo – 1 IP, 3 R (including Stewart’s homer); Luis Castillo – 7 IP, 2 R.
- Team Records: Mariners 51-52; Reds’ offensive metric 90 wRC+ (29th in MLB).
On-the-Ground Perspective
Local commentary highlighted the Mariners’ depleted lineup, noting that both Julio Rodríguez and infielder J.P. Crawford were dealing with minor injuries, which limited Seattle’s offensive options. The analysis praised Chase Burns for his “fastball-slider combo” that generated six strikeouts and kept the Mariners’ hitters off balance, reinforcing the value of his recent contract extension.
What’s Next
Both clubs were scheduled to be off on Thursday. Seattle’s next start was slated for Friday with right-hander Bryce Miller (4-4, 2.27 ERA) facing the Texas Rangers, while Cincinnati was set to send Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.75 ERA) against the St. Louis Cardinals. The outcomes of those games could further shape the AL West race and the Reds’ pursuit of a winning record.
