Andrés Muñoz exposed for tipping pitches against Yankees

On July 10, 2025, the Seattle Mariners faced off against the New York Yankees in a dramatic game that saw the Yankees come back from a 5-0 deficit. The Mariners had initially been in a solid position, with starter Bryan Woo throwing a no-hitter into the eighth inning, but the game took a turn when All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz entered the game to protect a two-run lead in the ninth. Despite his impressive performance earlier in the season, with a 1.05 ERA, Muñoz faltered, and an unusual pattern emerged. It was reported by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh that Muñoz was tipping his pitches, allowing the Yankees to exploit this by indicating to their batters what type of pitch was coming. This led to a series of hits in the ninth inning, tying the game at 5-5. During the crucial ninth inning, the Yankees capitalized on Muñoz’s mistakes, as runners on second base gave signals to the batter about Muñoz’s slider by waving their arms, thus aiding their comeback. After the Yankees tied the game, they secured the win in the tenth inning with a walk-off sacrifice fly from Aaron Judge, who brought home Anthony Volpe. This victory marked a significant moment in the game, especially considering the rarity of such a comeback from a no-hit situation combined with a five-run deficit, a feat not accomplished in the Major League Baseball since 1977. The Mariners and their coaching staff have acknowledged the need for better awareness regarding pitching signals moving forward, as highlighted by catcher Raleigh. However, Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed that he did not believe Muñoz was giving away pitch selection, asserting instead that the Yankees made effective plays in tough counts. This incident underlines the competitive nature of baseball, where small mistakes can drastically affect the outcome of the game. This game not only showcases the abilities of Major League Baseball teams to adapt and seize opportunities but also emphasizes the crucial impact that communication and awareness have within the sport. The Mariners will need to assess this situation carefully to avoid similar issues in the future as they continue their season. The Yankees’ win contributed to their ongoing momentum, marking their fourth consecutive victory and shifting the dynamics between the two teams following a tough stretch leading into mid-July.