Julio Rodríguez keeps Mariners’ fading playoff hopes alive with dramatic homer

The Seattle Mariners were six outs away from wasting an outstanding performance by Logan Gilbert and falling further behind in the American League West race.

Julio Rodríguez changed everything with one swing. Rodríguez launched a go-ahead three-run home run during a four-run seventh inning Thursday, lifting Seattle to a 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park.

The win gave the Mariners two victories in the three-game series and kept their fading postseason hopes alive. Seattle improved to 69-78 and remained six games behind the Houston Astros in the division. The Mariners still face extraordinarily long odds. Rodríguez made sure they did not disappear quietly.

Rodríguez Erases Rangers’ Late Lead

Texas starter Jacob deGrom dominated Seattle for six innings. DeGrom retired the first 15 batters he faced and allowed only one infield single while striking out 12. The Rangers carried a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh after deGrom left the game.

Seattle immediately attacked reliever Jakob Junis.

Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch and advanced on a wild pitch before Dominic Canzone drove him home with a single. Cal Raleigh followed with another single, putting two runners aboard for Rodríguez. The Mariners’ center fielder attacked the first pitch he saw.

Rodríguez lined a sinker over the Texas bullpen in left field for his 21st home run of the season, turning a three-run deficit into a 4-3 Seattle lead.

It was the kind of swing that demonstrated why Rodríguez remains the central figure in the Mariners’ offense. Seattle had struggled to produce anything against deGrom, but its biggest star made one opportunity count.

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Logan Gilbert Wins Memorable Pitching Matchup

Rodríguez’s home run also prevented Gilbert’s performance from going to waste.

Gilbert allowed three runs on three hits across seven innings. He walked two and struck out 11 while earning his 12th victory of the season. The matchup with deGrom carried an unusual personal connection because both pitchers attended Stetson University.

DeGrom produced the more dominant statistical line, but Gilbert remained in the game long enough for Seattle’s offense to deliver its comeback. Andrés Muñoz protected the lead in the ninth inning and recorded his 27th save.

The victory did not suddenly transform the Mariners into a postseason favorite.

Seattle remains below .500 and must make up significant ground with little time left on the schedule. The club will need more than one dramatic victory to create a legitimate October opportunity.

Rodríguez’s homer at least provided another reason to keep watching.

On a day when deGrom appeared untouchable, Gilbert kept Seattle close and Rodríguez delivered the swing that decided the game.

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