Imagine this: after battling through a grueling 15-inning game and facing another crucial playoff match-up less than 48 hours later, the Seattle Mariners showed absolutely no signs of slowing down. In fact, they came out swinging!
Fresh off their Game 1 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays on the road, the Mariners continued their dominance in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Before many fans even settled into their seats, Julio Rodríguez launched a monstrous home run, giving Seattle a commanding 3-0 lead before the first out was even recorded. The Mariners went on to win 10-3.
Rodríguez's game-changing moment came against Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage. Yesavage threw a hanging splitter, and Rodríguez didn't miss it, sending the ball soaring 369 feet into the left-field stands for a three-run homer. It was a statement hit that electrified the Seattle faithful and put Toronto on notice.
And this is the part most people miss: This wasn't just any home run. It was the first hit Yesavage had allowed all postseason. The 22-year-old rookie had previously pitched an impressive 5 1/3 hitless innings in the Blue Jays' AL Division Series Game 2 victory over the New York Yankees. Talk about a tough welcome to the ALCS!
Adding another layer to the drama, it was also the first home run Yesavage has given up in his Major League career. Drafted in the first round of 2024, Yesavage made three regular-season starts for Toronto before earning his spot on the playoff roster and pitching in that earlier ALDS game. His splitter was considered his most dangerous pitch. During the regular season, batters only managed a .111 average (2-for-18) against it, striking out 10 times and whiffing at an impressive 57.1% rate. So, what happened? Did Rodríguez just get lucky, or did he truly dissect Yesavage's best offering?
For those who want to relive the moment, here's how the home run sounded on the Mariners Radio Network, with the legendary Rick Rizzs calling the play:
[Embedded Tweet: Julio Rodríguez strikes in the top of the first inning with a 3-run blast💥! 🔊 How it sounded on the #Mariners radio network 🔊 📲 https://t.co/maHBzOxo7v 🎧 https://t.co/0X1NCu9TBJ https://t.co/W3mx8pmVkK pic.twitter.com/4JMviGR9ug]
Randy Arozarena ignited the rally by getting hit by a pitch, followed by Cal Raleigh drawing a walk, setting the stage perfectly for Rodríguez's heroics. It was a textbook example of capitalizing on opportunities.
With this performance, Seattle’s center fielder now boasts two home runs and six RBIs in the team's first seven postseason games. He's quickly becoming a postseason legend in the making.
After Monday's victory, the Mariners now hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS. Can they keep up this momentum and secure a World Series berth? But here's where it gets controversial... some analysts believe that Toronto, despite the early setbacks, still has the pitching depth to turn the series around. Do you agree? Is Seattle's early surge sustainable, or will Toronto mount a comeback? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
[Links to other relevant articles about the Seattle Mariners ALCS coverage: Bryce Miller's start, Game 1 win, Polanco's heroics, Cal Raleigh's home run, and the full ALCS schedule.]
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