JRod and Mariners break drought: Epic home victory after 21 years

Julio Rodríguez Ignites Passion in Seattle: Mariners Secure Home Victory

Seattle’s fans roared with the traditional “Ju-lio!” chant in the eighth inning, but this time the energy was palpable, charged with anticipation accumulated over 24 years without a home playoff victory. Julio Rodríguez, the acclaimed center fielder for the Seattle Mariners and one of the most outstanding players of the season, responded with a hit that drove in Cal Raleigh to take the lead. Rodríguez, after reaching second base, celebrated with his fist in the air before the 47,371 fans at T-Mobile Park, feeding off their fervor.

“I looked around a bit. I could see everyone jumping and that made me feel really good. It was an incredible moment.”

Julio Rodríguez

The Mariners secured an exciting 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers, fueled by a solid pitching performance and two home runs from Jorge Polanco. Following an error by Josh Naylor that allowed Spencer Torkelson to tie the game, the Mariners, one of baseball’s hottest teams, responded again. Raleigh hit a double, followed by Rodriguez’s, and Andres Munoz closed the game in the ninth inning. For the first time since October 15, 2001, the Seattle fans were able to witness a playoff victory in their own stadium.

“For us, it means a lot to give the fans what they deserve. I’ve been here a while and they deserve it.”

Andres Munoz

Tarik Skubal, the Tigers’ ace, knew the Mariners’ struggle well. Before establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in the league, Skubal pitched at nearby Seattle University. To inspire the youngsters, he invited the entire Seattle University baseball team to watch him pitch. The Tigers were coming off a tenacious effort in Game 1. Skubal, hoping to put his team on the verge of victory, met the resistance of Polanco. In the fourth inning, Polanco hit a slider from Skubal, sending it to the left field bullpen. In the sixth, Polanco hit another home run, this time at 99 mph.

“It’s a good at-bat. Two good swings on the ball, and that’s how I give up runs tonight. I thought my pitch was very, very good. I thought my execution was great. But that’s the game of baseball.”

Tarik Skubal

Polanco, after a difficult season in 2024, resurfaced strongly. From July to September, Polanco batted .282/.348/.551, ranking among the best in the league. At the crucial moment, he became the first player in four years to hit two home runs in a game against Skubal.

“He’s a very good baseball player. He’s a fighter. Throughout the year he’s had great at-bats, being decisive in many situations. And today, to have hit two home runs against the best pitcher in the game right now, is incredible. There are no words to describe what it means for the team.”

Julio Rodríguez

Luis Castillo, known for feeding off the energy of the local fans, was in charge of Game 2. Although the situation got complicated in the fifth inning, reliever Gabe Speier managed to dominate Kerry Carpenter. Eduard Bazardo and Matt Brash maintained the lead, until an error by Naylor allowed the tie. However, Raleigh and Rodríguez responded strongly. Raleigh hit a pitch to right field, and Rodriguez followed suit, driving in the Mariners’ victory.

“It was incredible. These are things I dreamed of when I was a kid.”

Julio Rodríguez

The Mariners, after a 21-year wait, finally achieved this long-awaited victory at home, a triumph that the team and its fans eagerly anticipated.