Mariners Edge Past Cubs in 10-Inning Clash

The Chicago Cubs fell to the Seattle Mariners in a close 6-5 game that extended to 10 innings. Despite gaining an early three-run advantage, Chicago’s pitcher Matthew Boyd couldn’t maintain the lead. Pete Crow-Armstrong launched an impressive leadoff home run, his third in four games, setting a new personal record with his 32nd homer. Alex Bregman bolstered the lead with a two-run homer, energizing the Cubs’ start.

Boyd has recently struggled, especially in August, with his vulnerabilities evident once again. Although he only allowed six home runs in his first 12 starts, he has given up multiple critical home runs in August. Boyd quickly lost the lead when Cal Raleigh hit a game-tying three-run homer in the second inning. Brendan Donovan followed soon after with a go-ahead RBI single, a play surrounded by a questionable balk call that resulted in Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s ejection.

The Cubs fought back late with solo home runs by Ian Happ and Alex Bregman, but relief pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn couldn’t hold off the Mariners. Leo Rivas delivered a game-winning single in the 10th inning, clinching victory for Seattle.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed frustration with the balk call, claiming the umpire was mistaken.

The Cubs, now 74-55, struggled with runners in scoring position. They posted a dismal 1-for-16 in such situations and left 11 runners stranded. Their streak of wins when hitting four or more home runs ended with this loss, repeating a similar scenario from June 2025 against the Mariners.

Raleigh’s home run, clocked at a 107.2-mph exit velocity, was his hardest hit from the right side this season. Despite entering the game batting under .140 against left-handed pitchers, Raleigh managed to capitalize on Boyd’s high fastball.

Boyd has surrendered eight home runs and issued nine walks with 11 strikeouts over 25 innings in four August starts. The multirun homers have heavily impacted his performance despite otherwise favorable pitching abilities.

“Those big pitches can be game-changers,” said Counsell. “Matthew pitched decently but a few costly pitches turned the game.”

Boyd’s pickoff move has been an asset, with four successful pickoffs this season, following his 11 from last year that set a franchise record. However, a controversial balk call undid some of this advantage. Following a throwing error by Nico Hoerner, Boyd attempted a pickoff but was called for a balk, allowing Rodden to advance and score later in the inning.

Counsell’s reaction was sharp, emphasizing that Boyd hadn’t been penalized for such a move since 2019. He attributed the umpire’s decision to a misunderstanding, as no other officials had called similar moves a balk.

The Cubs had several chances to overcome Boyd’s setback, but struggled to convert opportunities. Crow-Armstrong and Bregman stood out with crucial hits, yet others, like Seiya Suzuki, faltered under pressure, striking out thrice and missing an opportunity with bases loaded in the eighth inning.

“We created chances but didn’t finish them off,” Bregman summarized. “There’s always another game, and we’ll look to bounce back soon.”