Chase DeLauter Homers Twice
Mariners vs Guardians Opening Day 2026 score
The Cleveland Guardians spoiled the Seattle Mariners’ 50th-anniversary season opener on Thursday night, March 26, 2026, riding a historic debut from rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter to a 6-4 victory at T-Mobile Park. DeLauter, the 24-year-old top prospect, became the first player in Cleveland’s 126-year franchise history to hit two home runs in his regular-season debut.
His first blast came in the top of the first inning on a full-count slider from Seattle starter Logan Gilbert, while his second—a solo shot in the ninth—provided a critical insurance run. According to official game recaps from the Associated Press, the Guardians’ young lineup overcame a loud Seattle crowd of 44,938 fans and a relentless Mariners power display to secure the first win of the four-game series.
Despite the loss, the Mariners’ offense showed significant pop, launching three home runs of their own. Third baseman Brendan Donovan, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason, made history by becoming the first player in Mariners history to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day. Seattle briefly took a 2-1 lead in the second inning when Dominic Canzone hit the first of his two solo home runs of the night.
Luke Raley added to the tally in the fifth with a solo shot to right field that clocked a 114-mph exit velocity, the hardest-hit ball of the game. However, as reported by The Spokesman-Review, the Mariners struggled to capitalize on these individual bursts of power, finishing the night with only two hits that were not home runs.
The momentum shifted decisively in the seventh inning when Cleveland’s veteran leader José Ramírez delivered a clutch, two-run double against reliever Gabe Speier to break a 3-3 tie. Guardians starter Tanner Bibee pitched effectively through five innings before exiting with right shoulder inflammation, handing the game over to a bullpen that successfully navigated the late-inning pressure.
Connor Brogdon earned the win in relief, and Cade Smith secured his first save of the season by retiring Canzone to end the game. MLB Gameday analysis confirmed that while Seattle’s pitching staff recorded 11 strikeouts, the timely hitting of Brayan Rocchio and the power of DeLauter ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the visitors. The two teams will meet again on Friday night, with right-hander George Kirby scheduled to start for the Mariners.
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