The Seattle Mariners kept their playoff hopes alive with an 8-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, securing a crucial series win. Despite the victory, the Mariners’ postseason fate remains uncertain, as they could still face elimination depending on the outcomes of the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers’ games on Wednesday and Thursday. Seattle will await those results as they prepare to host the Oakland Athletics for a three-game series starting Friday.
That's @JRODshow44's third-straight 2️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣ season! #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/MvgDZ1sGGg
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 25, 2024
In the midst of this tense playoff race, Mariners star Julio Rodriguez made history. In the top of the ninth inning, Rodriguez hit a two-run home run that not only sealed the win but also secured his place in MLB history. The home run marked his 20th of the season and ensured Rodriguez his third consecutive season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. This achievement places him in exclusive company, as he and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals are the only players in MLB history to record three straight 20-20 seasons in their first three years.
Julio Rodríguez has played three Major League seasons.
He's reached 20 HR and 20 SB in all three 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/biE7tRdJVd
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2024
Rodriguez’s milestone was recognized nationally, with MLB’s official “X” account highlighting his accomplishment. After his homer, which bounced off the left-center field wall, Rodriguez made sure to retrieve the history-making ball.
History for Julio!@JRODshow44 becomes the second player in @MLB history to have 20+ HRs and 20 + SBs in their first three seasons. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/1LDasfBeDO
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 25, 2024
This achievement comes just two days after Rodriguez was named the American League Player of the Week. He’s currently batting .274 on the season, with 67 RBIs and 24 stolen bases alongside his 20 home runs. While the Mariners face a challenging road to the playoffs, if they do make it to October, Rodriguez’s stellar September performance will have been a key factor in their success.
