SEATTLE — The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t wait long to make noise Friday night at T-Mobile Park, capitalizing on early command issues from Mariners ace Luis Castillo to take control in a 6-3 win over Seattle. But it wasn’t just the bats that powered the Blue Jays — standout defensive plays across the field ensured their early lead held up.
Addison Barger was the catalyst for Toronto, collecting three doubles and sparking key rallies in both the first and third innings. His two-run double in the opening frame put the Blue Jays on the board, and he later scored on an Ernie Clement RBI single before Nathan Lukes capped the early surge with a two-run homer.
“We were aggressive early and tried to jump on mistakes,” Barger said postgame. “It felt good to contribute on both sides.”
That aggression paid off against Castillo, who walked the first two batters he faced and saw both score. He eventually settled down and retired seven of his last eight hitters, but the early five-run hole proved too much. Castillo finished his outing with five runs allowed on seven hits over five innings.
Seattle had its chances to claw back, but Toronto’s defense repeatedly rose to the occasion. Barger wasn’t done after his offensive outburst — he also tracked down a deep drive from Julio Rodríguez to save a run in the third. Daulton Varsho and Bo Bichette added to the highlight reel with diving grabs and strong infield work that robbed J.P. Crawford and Ben Williamson of hits.
The Mariners loaded the bases in the eighth inning with one out, threatening to make things interesting. But former Mariner Yimi Garcia came in for the Blue Jays and snuffed out the rally, getting a strikeout and a weak grounder to preserve the lead.
Seattle managed three runs, but missed opportunities and a locked-in Toronto defense left them frustrated.
The Blue Jays have now won back-to-back games, while the Mariners continue to search for offensive consistency in tight games.
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