The Seattle Mariners pulled off a thrilling victory against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez went 4-for-4 at the plate, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning that put the Mariners ahead for good.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Royals taking an early lead in the top of the first inning. The Mariners responded with two runs in the bottom of the second, but the Royals answered right back with two runs of their own in the top of the third.
The score remained tied until the bottom of the sixth, when Rodriguez stepped up to the plate with two runners on base. He crushed a pitch deep into left field for a two-run home run, giving the Mariners a 4-2 lead.
The Royals threatened in the top of the ninth, loading the bases with two outs. But Mariners closer Anthony Bass was able to get out of the jam and secure the win for Seattle.
Rodriguez’s four-hit performance was a major factor in the Mariners’ victory. He also scored two runs and drove in three, and he now leads all rookies in batting average (.333) and slugging percentage (.636).
The Mariners will look to keep their winning streak alive as they face off against the Royals again on Wednesday night. With Rodriguez’s bat leading the way, Seattle has a good chance of coming away with another victory.
