Rays Defeat Mariners 7-2 as Three Solo Homers Create Decisive Lead

Overview

• Tampa Bay beat Seattle 7-2 on July 10, scoring on an RBI single and solo homers by Victor Mesa Jr., Richie Palacios and Cedric Mullins to build a lead the Mariners could not overcome.
• Nick Martinez, added to the All-Star roster as a replacement, earned the win with 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while helping the Rays sustain their July power surge.
• Mariners starter Luis Castillo struggled in the outing and has been singled out in coverage as the clear weak link in Seattle’s rotation after giving up multiple homers in the fourth and fifth innings.
• Seattle’s offense has fallen from last season’s form, with Cal Raleigh in a prolonged slump (wRC+ down to 68) and Julio Rodríguez on the injured list limiting the team’s middle-order production.
• The loss leaves Seattle around .500 and in a crowded Wild Card and divisional race, while the Rays reinforce their standing near the top of the American League and head into the All‑Star break with momentum.