Seattle Mariners
· 2026-07-13
Seattle Mariners opened a delayed game against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 12, 2026, after Evan Longoria’s Hall of Fame ceremony pushed the first pitch back about 20 minutes. Despite the setback, Logan Gilbert took the mound, and the Mariners were looking to snap a recent slump.
The Rays scheduled the game for a 4:10 p.m. ET start, but Longoria’s induction began at 4:00 p.m., running over the planned kickoff. Griffin Jax finally delivered the first pitch at 4:35 p.m., according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. The ceremony, part of “Longo’s Legacy Weekend,” featured a statue, a plaque, and a jersey retirement slated for the following day.
Seattle entered the matchup at .500 in a crowded AL West, while Tampa Bay led the AL East. The Mariners had dropped three of their last five games, but the 2‑8 loss at Tropicana Field on July 12 was a rare bright spot, giving them a morale boost despite the overall 48‑49 record that places them sixth in the American League on a one‑game winning streak.
Logan Gilbert started for Seattle, hoping to keep his ERA low against a Rays lineup that had been dominant at home (33‑14 all‑time). Griffin Jax, the Rays’ reliever, was ready to close out the first inning once the ceremony cleared the field. Both pitchers knew the delay could affect their warm‑up routines, but they stayed focused.
The Mariners are fighting for position in the AL West, and every win matters when they sit just below .500. A victory in St. Petersburg would help them climb out of sixth place and could spark a longer run beyond the current one‑game streak. The delayed start also gave fans a chance to snag Longoria snapback hats, adding a festive atmosphere despite the late kickoff.
After the loss, Seattle heads back home with a chance to reset. Their next series will test the bullpen’s depth and Gilbert’s consistency. If the Mariners can convert close games into wins, they could improve their standing and keep the playoff race alive.