UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the AL Division Series after a decisive 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night, September 28, 2023. This win marks their 17th victory in 18 games and solidifies their status as American League West champions.
Just a day after capturing their first division title since 2001, the Mariners celebrated as the Cleveland Guardians fell to the Detroit Tigers, confirming Seattle’s playoff positioning. Star player Eugenio Suárez shone brightly, matching his career high with his 49th homer—a two-run blast that put Seattle ahead early in the game.
Throughout the match at T-Mobile Park, Suárez connected on a hanging slider from Rockies pitcher Bradley Blalock (2-6), propelling the Mariners to an early lead. He also added a run-scoring single in the fifth inning, boosting his career-best RBI total to an impressive 117 runs for the season.
Seattle’s success continues with their 11th consecutive home victory, tying a franchise record set back in June 2001. Meanwhile, the Rockies are struggling, now with a dismal 4-17 record for September and sitting at the bottom of the National League with 116 losses—the most since the infamous 1962 New York Mets.
On the mound, Mariners pitcher Emerson Hancock had a stellar performance, allowing just two hits in four scoreless innings and striking out seven batters. Caleb Ferguson also contributed by navigating a walk in the seventh inning without allowing a run.
As the game progressed, excitement peaked when Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh remained at 60 homers, needing just two more to tie the American League record set by Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. The atmosphere at the park was electric, but many fans began to leave early as Raleigh popped up to second base in the eighth inning.
Looking ahead, the Mariners will prepare for the postseason with confidence, riding on their current momentum and the remarkable performance of players like Suárez and Hancock. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Seattle can leverage this winning streak into playoff success. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs approach.
