Nolan Schanuel's Sacrifice Fly in the 11th Ends Marathon, and the Mariners Go Home Empty

The Mariners walked into Angel Stadium Sunday looking to build early season momentum. They left with nothing but frustration after an 11-inning slugfest that came down to one swing in the bottom of the 11th. Nolan Schanuel lifted a fly ball to left field, Adam Frazier beat the throw home, and just like that, Los Angeles had a 8-7 walk-off win that will sting for days.

How the Mariners Nearly Pulled It Off

Seattle was absolutely in this game. Cal Raleigh doubled to left in the ninth and charged home on Julio Rodriguez's broken-bat single to center off a 2-2 slider, tying things up at 6-6. The momentum looked real. In the 10th, Randy Arozarena's single to right put the Mariners ahead 7-6, and suddenly Seattle had their shot.

But then it all fell apart. Gabe Speier (0-2) intentionally walked Zach Neto leading off the bottom of the 11th with automatic runner Adam Frazier on second base. Oswald Peraza's sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position. Schanuel's fly ball to left was nothing special. Frazier just ran hard and made it home before the throw arrived.

The Pitching Breakdown That Cost Them

Luis Castillo lasted just 3 2/3 innings for Seattle, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits while walking one and striking out four. The Angels' starter George Klassen, making his major league debut after being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake City, actually had it worse, escaping after 2 2/3 innings with two runs on three hits, but he walked five batters and struck out four. Ryan Johnson was scratched with illness, which meant Klassen got the unexpected opportunity and couldn't capitalize on it.

Shaun Anderson (1-0) got the win with an impressive moment in the top of the 11th, striking out Cal Raleigh with the bases loaded to keep it scoreless heading into the Angels' turn.

The Roller Coaster Before Extra Innings

This game had more swings than a playground. Cole Young's three-run homer to right in the fifth gave Seattle a 5-4 lead. The Angels answered back immediately in their half of the fifth, scoring twice to go up 6-5. The back and forth was relentless all afternoon, and both teams kept punching back.

The Angels' Mike Trout left the game in the eighth after taking a pitch from Casey Legumina on his left hand.

It's early April, but losses like this one sting. The Mariners had their opportunities and came up empty in extra innings. That's baseball in Anaheim on a Sunday afternoon.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.