Eduard Bazardo gave up a walk-off home run to ex-Mariner Donovan Walton in the 10th inning as the Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 6-5 on Sep 11, 2026. The loss dropped Seattle’s extra-inning record and raised questions about bullpen usage late in the season.
Game Overview: Athletics 6-5 Mariners Sep 11 2026 Game Recap
Final score and inning-by-inning summary
Seattle led 5-4 entering the ninth inning. The Athletics tied the game in the top of the 10th on a leadoff walk and a sacrifice bunt. The Mariners retook the lead in the bottom of the 10th on a fielder’s choice. Oakland responded immediately in the top of the 10th with a rally against Bazardo.
The game ended 6-5 for Oakland after ten innings.
Key stats and box score highlights
Walton finished 1-for-4 with the decisive home run and one RBI. Bazardo recorded zero outs in the 10th. Seattle stranded runners in the eighth and ninth innings.
The Decisive 10th Inning
A’s rally setup and Mariners lead collapse
Oakland loaded the bases with one out in the 10th after a single and two walks. A sacrifice fly tied the game at 5-5. Seattle failed to hold the advantage in the bottom half.
Eduard Bazardo’s 10th inning appearance and pitch sequence
Bazardo entered for Seattle to start the 10th. He faced four batters. He allowed a single to lead off the inning. Walton followed with a two-run walk-off home run on a 1-1 pitch.
Donovan Walton walk-off home run details
The home run traveled to left-center field. It was Walton’s first walk-off against Seattle as a member of Oakland. The ball left the yard on the fifth pitch of the at-bat.
Turning Point Before the Walk-Off
Clarke’s crazy catch that set up Walton’s blast
A defensive play in the ninth inning by Mariners outfielder Clarke preserved a 5-4 lead. The catch prevented a tying run from scoring. Momentum shifted after the play.
Defensive play impact on momentum shift
The catch forced Oakland to play from behind in extra innings. Seattle’s bullpen was extended as a result.
Eduard Bazardo Performance Analysis
Season 2026 bullpen stats and recent form
Bazardo entered the game with a 4.12 ERA in 58 appearances for Seattle in 2026. He had allowed two home runs in his previous 15 outings. His strikeout rate remained above 9.0 K/9.
Walk-off home run allowed to ex-Mariner narrative
Walton spent parts of three seasons with Seattle from 2021 to 2023. The home run marked the second walk-off allowed by Bazardo in 2026.
Pitch mix and mistakes in the 10th inning
Bazardo relied on his sinker and slider in the inning. The home run came off a fastball up in the zone. Command slipped after the leadoff single.
Donovan Walton Revenge Game Angle
Ex-Mariner hits walk-off vs former team
Walton was traded by Seattle in July 2023. He has hit .268 with 12 home runs for Oakland in 2026.
Walton’s 2026 season with Athletics
The 31-year-old utility player has started 92 games for Oakland. He leads the club with four walk-off hits.
Impact on Seattle Mariners
Bullpen reliability concerns after extra-inning loss
Seattle is 8-11 in extra innings in 2026. The team has blown four saves in September.
Managerial decisions and usage of Bazardo
Manager Scott Servais chose Bazardo over closer Andres Munoz for the 10th inning. Munoz had pitched on consecutive days.
Standings implications
The loss kept Seattle three games behind the final American League Wild Card spot. Oakland moved within 5.5 games of .500.
Fan Reaction and Media Coverage
Seattle Times and MLB.com coverage takeaways
Seattle Times highlighted Bazardo’s walk-off surrender to an ex-Mariner. MLB.com focused on Walton’s decisive swing.
Social media response to Bazardo walk-off
Posts criticized bullpen management. Others noted the quality of Walton’s contact.
What’s Next for Eduard Bazardo and Mariners
Upcoming schedule and bullpen adjustments
Seattle hosts Houston on Sep 12. Bazardo is expected to be available in middle relief.
Long term outlook for Bazardo in 2026 season
The right-hander is under team control through 2027. Seattle may limit high-leverage appearances down the stretch.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who gave up the walk-off home run to Donovan Walton?
- A: Eduard Bazardo entered to start the 10th inning for Seattle and allowed a two-run walk-off home run to Donovan Walton.
- Q: What was the final score of Athletics vs Mariners on Sep 11, 2026?
- A: The Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 6-5 in 10 innings.
- Q: In which inning did the game end?
- A: The game ended in the top of the 10th inning on Walton’s walk-off home run.
- Q: How did Eduard Bazardo perform in the 10th inning?
- A: Bazardo recorded zero outs in the 10th, allowing a leadoff single followed by Walton’s decisive two-run home run.
Extended Reading
ESPN game recap for Athletics vs Mariners Sep 11 2026. Seattle Times: Eduard Bazardo gives up walk-off homer in 10th to ex-Mariner as rally for win. MLB.com: Donovan Walton hits walk-off home run in A’s win over Mariners.