Mariners Look to Reignite Momentum in Iconic Wrigley Matinee

The Mariners are stepping into one of baseball’s most cherished traditions today—Friday matinee baseball at Wrigley Field. There’s just something magical about a midday summer game in Chicago, and for fans of the Seattle Mariners, it’s a chance to reconnect with the roots of the sport. Sure, the 11:20 AM Pacific start time may feel odd for us on the West Coast, but honestly, I love that the Cubs embrace summer Fridays with daytime baseball. It’s classic, it’s nostalgic, and it brings energy to the ballpark that feels timeless.

George Kirby is getting the ball for Seattle, and he’s hoping to bounce back from a surprisingly shaky outing that saw him issue three walks. That’s not his norm, so you know he’ll be dialed in today. On the flip side, the Cubs are handing the ball to left-hander Matthew Boyd—a familiar face for Mariners fans. Boyd, who hails from the Pacific Northwest, had a short stint with Seattle back in 2022, and his presence brings a wave of emotion for those who remember that magical clinch night. There’s a moment burned into memory—Boyd teary-eyed during clubhouse celebrations while Ty France poured beer in the background—that just summed up what breaking the drought meant to us all.

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Offensively, things are a little complicated right now for Seattle. Despite some recent returns, like Luke Raley coming back from injury, he’s not in the lineup against the lefty. And we’re seeing Mitch Garver in the DH role, while Jorge Polanco—who’s been pretty consistent batting from the right—gets a day off from that spot. Cal Raleigh continues to carry the offense, but inconsistency throughout the lineup, especially with rookies Cole Young and Ben Williamson still adjusting, has been a challenge.

The Mariners, who once led the AL West comfortably, have stumbled a bit since late May, going just 8-15 and dropping seven of their last eight road games. This series in Chicago couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Cubs are playing well and historically have had Seattle’s number. They hold a .680 winning percentage over the Mariners and are even better when playing them at home, boasting an 8-3 record at Wrigley.

Looking ahead, it’s not going to get easier. The Mariners will need to tighten up their pitching—something that’s been a strength in past years but has looked more vulnerable this season. Kirby’s start today could set the tone for the weekend. The offense needs to wake up, stop depending on the long ball, and start stringing together quality at-bats if they want to take this series.

It’s a pivotal point in the season. Wrigley Field provides the perfect stage. Now let’s see if the Mariners can rise to the occasion.

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