Seattle Mariners Star Julio Rodriguez Issues Strong Words on State of Team Right Now
![Seattle Mariners designated hitter outfielder Julio Rodriguez (44) in the batting cage before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Aug 16. Seattle Mariners designated hitter outfielder Julio Rodriguez (44) in the batting cage before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Aug 16.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5472,h_3078,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/inside_the_mariners/01j5k1k8qmte3t2v9vks.jpg)
The Seattle Mariners lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon 7-2, stranding the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Down by five runs, the M's brought the top-third of their order to the plate with nobody out, only to see Victor Robles fly out and then Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodriguez strike out to end the game.
After the game, Rodriguez issued some strong statements on the state of the team and where they are at.
Per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com on social media:
Julio Rodríguez on the Mariners' hot and cold spells this year:
"I don't want to talk about like having a hot streak. What I would like to have is a consistent footing ... Really good teams are really good teams every single day, no matter what, if they lose or win."
Julio Rodríguez on the Mariners' hot and cold spells this year:
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 17, 2024
"I don't want to talk about like having a hot streak. What I would like to have is a consistent footing ... Really good teams are really good teams every single day, no matter what, if they lose or win."
Rodriguez is right in that the Mariners have been maddeningly inconsistent this year. Seattle had a 10.0 game lead in the American League West back on June 19, but is now 4.0 games back after a 19-30 stretch. The Mariners, who have the best pitching in the league, have been foiled by their lack of offense, of which Rodriguez takes some ownership of as well.
Per an article from Adam Jude of the Seattle Times:
“I feel bad,” Rodriguez said. “Like, I personally feel bad when I cannot do the best I can to support the pitchers whenever I’m hitting. Because they show up every night and give us a chance every night.
The Mariners will be back in action on Sunday morning when they take on the Pirates again at PNC Park. First pitch is 10:35 a.m. PT.
RELATED SEATTLE MARINERS CONTENT:
NEW PODCAST IS OUT: The latest episode of the "Refuse to Lose" podcast is out as Brady Farkas talks about the M's getting swept by the Tigers, why this is all so frustrating and much more. Furthermore, we talk about the Julio Rodriguez-ankle issue, Colt Emerson's big day, prospect rankings and the M's potentially big financial blow. Furthermore, ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney joins the show to talk about the M's on "Sunday Night Baseball." CLICK HERE:
RANDY MAKES NEGATIVE HISTORY: Randy Arozarena struck out FIVE times on Saturday afternoon, becoming the latest Mariner to accomplish that dubious feat. CLICK HERE:
CAL IS A MAN OF THE PEOPLE: The Players Weekend bat for Cal Raleigh is awesome, and he shows that he just gets us. CLICK HERE:
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