Julio Rodríguez made a significant impact in his postseason debut, hitting his first career playoff home run, while the Seattle Mariners marked the end of several lengthy playoff droughts. On Saturday, during Game 1 of the American League Division Series, Rodríguez connected with a high fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton, launching the ball 413 feet to center field. This impressive shot not only put the Mariners ahead 1-0 but also made history, as it was the first run scored by Seattle in a home playoff game since 2001.
Rodríguez’s homer was his sixth career playoff hit, a remarkable achievement for a player who was a rookie the last time the Mariners reached the postseason in 2022. Notably, four of his six playoff hits have been extra-base hits, but this was the first to clear the fence, landing in the area known as the J-Rod Squad, just to the right of center field at T-Mobile Park. The run ended a streak of 26 playoff innings without a score for the Mariners, which dated back to their last playoff appearance.
In the fifth inning, however, the tides shifted as Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter responded with a two-run homer that put the Tigers ahead. This marked Carpenter’s fifth career hit against Mariners starter George Kirby, and all five have been home runs. Despite the Mariners ultimately losing 3-2 in extra innings, Rodríguez showcased his prowess at the plate with three hits, including an RBI single that tied the game in the sixth inning.
The Mariners are now gearing up for Game 2 of the ALDS, where they will face Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, as they seek to capitalize on the strong performance from Rodríguez and continue their postseason journey. With their young star leading the way, fans can hold onto hope as the Mariners aim to make a splash in this year’s playoffs.