SEATTLE (AP) — Julio Rodríguez connected again, hitting a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning and the Seattle Mariners finished off a three-game sweep by beating the Texas Rangers 4-2 on Wednesday.
A day earlier, the 21-year-old rookie sensation hit a leadoff home run in the first inning. That was his first swing since the All-Star Game because of a sore left wrist that was initially injured in the final game before the break in Texas.
Rodríguez had a breakout performance in the All-Star Home Run Derby, where he smashed 81 shots over the wall.
This home run was his 18th of the season and came with one out against starter Jon Gray (7-5). Gray had allowed just one run on four hits to that point, but the 416-foot drive into the left-field bullpen erased Seattle’s 2-1 deficit.
The dramatic moment came after Rodriguez switched bats, unhappy with the performance the other one had provided.
“That’s Julio Rodriguez,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “That’s why it’s a fun game. He plays like a kid and he’s fun to be around every day.”
For the player they call “J-Rod,” no moment seems too big.
“I honestly love it, because at those moments I feel like everybody is on their feet, everybody is watching, and I just love those moments,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like if you’re not ready to perform in those moments, you’re not going to be having the best fun playing this game.”
The homer ended Gray’s day. He struck out eight and walked four.
“(The pitch) slipped out of his hand,” Texas manager Chris Woodward said. “The only one all day. If he throws his best stuff, I don’t think Julio has a chance, and that kid is good.”
Aside from the dramatic homer, Rodriguez had another big moment in the top of the third when he made…