The Seattle Mariners secured a 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday night, with Julio Rodríguez hitting a crucial three-run home run in the eighth inning to spoil Jacob deGrom’s return to the mound after Tommy John surgery. Despite DeGrom initially leading with a 2-0 advantage, Rodríguez’s homer shifted the momentum in Seattle’s favor. JT Chargois and Andrés Muñoz contributed to the pitching effort, with Muñoz securing his 21st save of the season.
DeGrom showed flashes of his Cy Young-winning potential, striking out four and reaching 98 mph in his first game since April 2023. However, he left the game after 3 2/3 innings due to pitch count restrictions. Texas initially built a 4-0 lead, but Seattle staged a comeback with runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
Rangers’ SS Corey Seager will undergo season-ending sports hernia surgery, leading to his move to the 60-day injured list. To make room for deGrom on the roster, the Rangers optioned RHP Owen White to Triple-A Round Rock. In the upcoming game, Rangers RHP Max Scherzer was set to make his return from injury, while Seattle’s RHP Logan Gilbert was scheduled to start.
The victory marked a significant moment for the Mariners as they continue their push for a playoff spot. The excitement of Rodríguez’s homer and strong pitching performances will undoubtedly boost the team as they aim for further success in the remaining games of the season.
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