Mariners Suffer Worst Lost of Season in Loss to Royals; Here's How it Happened

The Seattle Mariners took a 7-0 lead in the first inning on Friday night but ultimately couldn't hold it, suffering a 10-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals. As we do after every game here's what you need to know.

Kansas City Royals designated hitter Nelson Velazquez (17) celebrates with teammates after hitting into a fielder’s choice to defeat the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium on June 7. | Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners suffered their worst loss of the season on Friday night, falling against the Kansas City Royals 10-9. As we do after every game, here's what you need to know:

The Overwhelming Story

This was a tale of two games: the first inning and everything else. The Mariners took a 7-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and then eventually led 8-0 before ultimately losing 10-9 on a walk-off fielders choice in the bottom of the ninth.

The Big Plays

Leading 1-0 in the top of the first, Mitch Haniger hit a three-run double to make it 4-0.

Doin' damage. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/z4emVExrss

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 8, 2024

Infielder Ryan Bliss hit his first major league home run to make it 7-0.

One to remember 🙌@ribliss2 just LAUNCHED his first big-league home run! #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/yv85ZznguV

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 8, 2024

Ty France made it 8-0 with a double.

Make it 8️⃣. pic.twitter.com/lS1wsTdFtz

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 8, 2024

With the M's up 8-1 MJ Melendez hit a three-run homer to make it 8-4.

MJ sends a three-run shot into the bullpen! pic.twitter.com/eLTNrFm8XA

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 8, 2024

The Mariners led 9-7 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Royals scored three runs to win the game. A fielder's choice made it 9-8 before Bobby Witt Jr. tied the game with a triple. The Mariners then walked two batters intentionally to load the bases before Nelson Velazquez scored the game-winning run on a walk-off fielders choice.

Never. Count. These. Boys. Out‼️#HEYHEYHEYHEY pic.twitter.com/nfE4bEM6Iu

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 8, 2024

Odds and Ends

Bryce Miller struggled in this one, giving up seven earned runs in 5.0 innings.... He walked three and just struck out one... Ryne Stanek blew the save after giving up three earned runs... His leadoff walk in the ninth loomed large... The Mariners had 10 hits in the loss...Ty France had two doubles... He also got hit by a pitch, which gave him 90 for his M's career, the most in M's history. The Mariners will play the Royals again on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. PT.

Follow Inside the Mariners on social media

Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Brady on "X" @wdevradiobrady

Related Mariners stories