The Seattle Mariners made a statement Saturday night, snapping their four-game slump with a wild 10-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. Julio RodrÃguez stole the show with two jaw-dropping home runs and some gold-glove defense, keeping Seattle clinging to that final AL Wild Card spot.
RodrÃguez’s heroics lit up the lineup. Seattle’s offense absolutely erupted, hammering Braves pitching with a barrage of power that left Atlanta reeling. You could feel the urgency—this game might be a turning point if the Mariners want to keep their October hopes alive.
Julio RodrÃguez’s Power Surge Fuels Mariners’ Win
RodrÃguez wasted no time. He crushed a 422-foot solo shot in the first inning off Braves rookie Hurston Waldrep—his 29th of the year. Later, he one-upped himself with a 441-foot blast to center for number 30, joining a pretty exclusive club of young sluggers with back-to-back 30-homer seasons.
Since the All-Star break, RodrÃguez has turned into one of the league’s scariest hitters, racking up 19 homers and a .960 OPS. He credits skipping the All-Star festivities for letting him rest and recharge, which seems to have worked wonders.
Defensive Gem Complements Offensive Explosion
RodrÃguez didn’t just do it with the bat. He robbed Ronald Acuña Jr. of extra bases, then chased down a deep drive from Michael Harris II that could’ve changed the game’s momentum. Those defensive plays really set the tone in a night already full of fireworks.
Long Ball Parade Powers Mariners’ Lineup
Seattle’s bats woke up in a big way, launching five home runs against Atlanta pitching. Eugenio Suárez hit his 43rd, and Josh Naylor blasted a three-run homer that felt like a dagger. Cal Raleigh extended his franchise record for most homers by a primary catcher with his 52nd, tying Javy López’s MLB mark for most as a catcher (42).
Raleigh even passed Ken Griffey Jr.’s best single-season homer totals. That’s not something you see every day, and it’s wild to think about the company he’s keeping.
Historic Offensive Output
The Mariners piled up 11 hits—five of them homers—plus two doubles, nine walks, and two hit-by-pitches. That added up to a .498 weighted on-base average (wOBA), their fourth-best offensive game all year. It’s the kind of patient, powerful approach that’s become their signature.
Bryce Miller’s Resilient Start
Bryce Miller, the rookie righty, worked 5 2/3 innings and gave up two runs on five hits. He did allow nine hard-hit balls, including a 459-foot rocket from Matt Olson, but his stuff kept Atlanta from stringing anything together. Miller gave Seattle enough breathing room to let the offense take over.
Notable Moments Beyond the Box Score
Jorge Polanco reached his 450th plate appearance this season, triggering a player option for 2026 in his contract. Victor Robles returned from suspension and chipped in right away with a double and a walk.
Playoff Implications for Seattle
This win carries some real postseason weight. By ending their skid against a 100-win Braves team, the Mariners held onto the AL’s third Wild Card spot. They’re still 3 ½ games behind the Astros in the AL West, so every game left feels like it matters just a little more.
Why This Win Matters
This game wasn’t just about ending a slump. It was about Seattle showing off its strengths again.
RodrÃguez looked locked in. Raleigh broke records.
The rest of the lineup chipped in with clutch power. The Mariners proved they can go toe-to-toe with any contender.
Seattle fans have a reason to believe as the regular season winds down. Saturday’s win wasn’t just a bounce-back; it sent a message that the Mariners won’t go quietly in the AL playoff race.
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