DeLauter homers again, Guardians outlast Mariners in extras, 6-5
· Yahoo Sports
They’re going to see Chase DeLauter in their nightmares.
The Mariners aren’t even throwing him strikes. But DeLauter can’t stop, won’t stop crushing.
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Andres Munoz’s 2-2 fastball was high and off the plate in Saturday’s 10th inning. He could only turn and watch when the Guardians designated hitter somehow slapped it the other way, sailing over Randy Arozarena and into Edgar’s Cantina in left field.
In the first three regular-season games of his career, DeLauter has four home runs. The last was the most consequential — and easily the most impressive.
DeLauter’s two-run homer provided a three-run lead, and the Guardians hung on to beat the Mariners, 6-5, in extra innings at T-Mobile Park.
This story will be updated.
CRAWFORD NEARING REHAB ASSIGNMENT
Shortstop J.P. Crawford, who began the season on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, will begin a rehab assignment as early as next week — presumably with Triple-A Tacoma during their opening homestand at Cheney Stadium. The Rainiers host Triple-A El Paso in their home opener on Tuesday night.
The longest-tenured Mariners player rejoined his Seattle teammates at T-Mobile Park and participated in batting practice before Saturday’s game. The team will evaluate him this weekend before a rehab date is set, manager Dan Wilson said.
“We talk a lot about what a leader J.P. is for us, especially when he’s in that lineup and he’s going on a daily basis, just what he means up there,” Wilson said. “Getting him back as quickly as possible is huge. He’s put in the work. He’s getting there, he’s getting ready. It’s really good to see.”
SHORT HOPS
– Outfielder Luke Raley homered in Seattle’s first two games of the regular season, his first time recording home runs in consecutive games since Aug. 6-8, 2024, per Mariners PR.
– The Mariners will retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 on May 2, less than nine months after the franchise retired Ichiro’s 51 in a pregame ceremony at T-Mobile Park last Aug. 9.
Johnson attended, seated directly behind his number-mate.
“I am also grateful for the actions of another person who is here — Randy Johnson,” Ichiro said, addressing a sellout crowd. “He was No. 51 long before I ever arrived in Seattle. Without his generosity, I could not have worn that number here.
“When you saw 51 in Seattle, you knew it meant Randy Johnson for his many great achievements from 1989-1998 in that uniform. When I came here in 2001, I couldn’t have worn that number without his consent. He gave it, and he gave it graciously.
“When the Mariners decided to retire No. 51, they chose to have two separate ceremonies, one for each of us. I’m grateful to Randy for attending my ceremony today. It will be my great honor to attend his next season.”
ON DECK
Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock duels Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi in Sunday’s series finale with the Guardians at T-Mobile Park. It’s a special 4:20 p.m. start, televised nationally on Peacock.