Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez etched his name in the franchise record books with a sensational 5-for-5 performance on Thursday, propelling Seattle to a very important 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Rodriguez’s outstanding feat marked the second 5-for-5 showing by the Mariners this week, following teammate Teoscar Hernández’s identical achievement just days earlier.
Rodriguez, a rising star at just 22 years old, showcased his remarkable talent by launching his 20th home run of the season during the game.
His five RBIs bolstered his season total to an impressive 78, further solidifying his status as a key offensive force for the Mariners.
What’s truly remarkable is the previous day, Rodriguez went 4-for-6 in the Mariners 6-5 victory over the same Royals.
According to Sarah Langs of MLB, Rodriguez became the third-youngest player since at least 1901 with 9+ hits in a 2-game span – and the youngest in 87 years.
at 22 years & 231 days old, Julio Rodríguez is the 3rd-youngest player since at least 1901 with 9+ hits in a 2-game span, older than only:
1936 Frankie Hayes: 21 y, 287 d as of 2nd game
1928 Freddie Lindstrom: 22 y, 217 d https://t.co/NBLCeaMsVb— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 17, 2023
The nine-hit performance saw his batting line improve from .261/.323/.437 to an impressive .269/.329/.451, an OPS increase of 20 points.
.@JRODshow44 has 9 hits in the last 24 hours. 😲 pic.twitter.com/cVjSzIvKyW
— MLB (@MLB) August 17, 2023
In addition, according to Langs, Rodriguez’s 12 hits in Seattle’s series against Kansas City is the most in a series of any length in Mariners history.
Julio Rodríguez’s 12 hits in KC were the most in a series of any length in Mariners history https://t.co/OzRoQdgq8c
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 18, 2023
Seattle’s success has mirrored Rodríguez’s dominance at the plate, as the Mariners have surged to an 11-4 record in August, positioning themselves just a half-game behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the coveted third and final wild-card spot in the American League.
The team’s remarkable run has injected a renewed sense of excitement into the fan base and ignited hopes of a playoff berth.
JULIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*breathe*OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/m0oKsxYehs
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 17, 2023
Will the Mariners make the playoffs?
Where do you rank Rodriguez among the young stars in Major League Baseball?