3/27/26 — Guardians vs Mariners
Leo and my first game of the season.
The night after Opening Day, we made our way into T-Mobile Park and sat second row in the JRod Squad. At the time, I had no idea this section would become such an anchoring point for our Mariners season. Leo loves Julio; he also loves the possibility of catching a ball tossed into the crowd between innings by his baseball hero.
No Julio toss-up this time, but a kind man seated in front of us handed Leo a ball. Truthfully, it was the first MLB ball I had ever held too.
After giving up a first inning homer to Chase DeLauter, Kirby settled in and looked like himself again. Leo and I saw several Kirby gems last season, so it already felt like a continuation of a familiar tradition. He finished with 6 strikeouts over 6 innings.
Cole Young gave us one of the biggest moments of the night. First, a diving catch in the 1st inning to rob José Ramírez. Later, his first homer of the season, a 3-run shot to right field.
Leo loved watching Young during his debut last year, even after he eventually lost playing time to Polanco’s steadier bat. Now, a few weeks into this season, we both find ourselves checking Young’s box scores constantly, hoping to see continued signs of a breakout.
Despite the Mariners leading comfortably, Muñoz still entered late. The flames from his entrance cut through the cold as he came jogging in from the bullpen.
A really good first game for me and Leo.
Final: Mariners 5, Guardians 1
Seats: JRod Squad, Row 2
Memory: First MLB ball either of us had really held