Higashioka's Homer Lifts Rangers Over Struggling Mariners

Texas rallies late to extend Seattle's losing skid to four games.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:25am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the explosive motion and energy of a baseball player swinging a bat and connecting for a home run, the details of the player's face and uniform dissolving into energetic brushstrokes.A dramatic, neon-hued illustration captures the raw power and emotion of a crucial home run that helped the Rangers rally past the struggling Mariners.Arlington Today

Nathan Eovaldi pitched six solid innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth as the Texas Rangers came from behind to defeat the struggling Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Tuesday night in Arlington.

Why it matters

The win extends the Mariners' losing streak to four games, further damaging their early-season playoff hopes. For the Rangers, the victory represents a bounce-back performance after Eovaldi's rough start to the year and provides a much-needed boost as they look to climb the AL West standings.

The details

Eovaldi, making his 300th career MLB start, allowed two runs on six hits over six innings, striking out seven. George Kirby threw a complete game for Seattle, but was undone by the Rangers' fifth-inning rally capped by Higashioka's two-run shot. The Mariners took an early lead on Brendan Donovan's leadoff homer, but couldn't hold on as the Rangers bullpen closed out the win.

  • Eovaldi reached 1,500 career strikeouts in the first inning.
  • The Mariners took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning.
  • The Rangers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead.

The players

Nathan Eovaldi

The Texas Rangers starting pitcher who earned the win, making his 300th career MLB start.

Kyle Higashioka

The Texas Rangers catcher who hit the go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning to give his team the lead.

George Kirby

The Seattle Mariners starting pitcher who threw a complete game but took the loss.

Brendan Donovan

The Seattle Mariners outfielder who hit a leadoff home run to give his team an early 1-0 lead.

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners catcher who drove in the team's second run with an RBI single.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to end this skid and get back on track. The season is still young, but these losses are starting to add up.”

— Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners Outfielder

What’s next

The Mariners and Rangers will play the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday night in Arlington.

The takeaway

This win provides a much-needed boost for the Rangers as they look to climb the AL West standings, while the Mariners' early-season struggles continue with their fourth straight loss.