Mariners Now Lead Baseball in This Awesome Clutch Offensive Category

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI | Last updated Jun 14, 2024 8:30 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners failed to find the full late-game magic on Thursday night against the Chicago White Sox, but they did find some of it.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, M's star Julio Rodriguez hit a game-tying home run off of Sox' closer Michael Kopech. The blast was a significant and historic one for Rodriguez personally, but also a big one for the team.

Per @MarinersPR on social media:

@JRODShow44's home run was the @Mariners 8th game-tying/go-ahead RBI in the 9th inning this season, tied for most in @MLB.

.@JRODshow44's home run was the @Mariners 8th game-tying/go-ahead RBI in the 9th inning this season, tied for most in @MLB.
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) June 14, 2024

The Mariners have made a habit of coming back later in games this season, and winning in extra innings, so it's not surprising to see them leading the league in this category.

It's been a frustrating season overall for Rodriguez, so it's nice to see him get into the offensive action in this manner. An All-Star in each of the last two seasons, Rodriguez has just six homers and 26 RBI this season. He'll need to put up a strong next few weeks to have a chance at making the All-Star team again this year.

The Mariners will hope they don't need late-game magic on Friday when they take on the division rival Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. They'll look to get up early and often against Rangers' lefty Andrew Heaney, who comes in at 2-7.

The M's will send their ace Luis Castillo to the mound. He's 5-7 this year. The M's lead the Rangers by 5.5 games in the division entering play.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: