Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez Joins Elite Company on Prestigious List as M's Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers on Thursday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. In the win, M's star Julio Rodriguez hit another home run, putting him in prestigious company in baseball history.

The Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers on Thursday night 3-2 thanks to a walk-off double from J.P. Crawford.

The win moved Seattle to 86-73 and kept their playoff hopes alive. Now, with three games to play, they are 1.0 game behind the Houston Astros in the battle for the third and final wild card spot in the American League.

Seattle has the tiebreaker over Houston for the season, which means in the event of a tie, the M's would go to the playoffs for the second straight year.

While Crawford's double was the key moment of the game, the M's first run was scored thanks to a solo home run from superstar Julio Rodriguez.

For him, it was his 32nd home run of the season. He now has 103 RBI and 37 stolen bases for the year. He made his second All-Star Game this season and is still just 22 years old.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

With his HR last night, Julio Rodríguez reached 60 career HR and 60 stolen bases in 284 games, the 2nd-fewest in MLB history. 

The only player to get there in fewer games was Eric Davis (276).

With his HR last night, Julio Rodríguez reached 60 career HR and 60 stolen bases in 284 games, the 2nd-fewest in MLB history.

The only player to get there in fewer games was Eric Davis (276). pic.twitter.com/mlKg88R3aH

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 29, 2023

Through just his first two seasons, Rodriguez already has the 60 homers and 62 stolen bases. He's also got 178 RBI and is the centerpiece of the Mariners' franchise.

Seattle will need another victory on Friday night when they host the Rangers again.

First pitch from T-Mobile Park is set for 10:10 p.m. ET as Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) pitches against Bryan Woo (SEA).

Eovaldi is 12-4 with a 3.26 ERA while Woo is 4-5 with a 4.39.

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