Mariners Clinch Postseason Berth in Dramatic Fashion
Seattle baseball fans are celebrating after the Mariners punched their ticket to the playoffs with a heart-stopping 4-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night, September 23. The game’s defining moment came courtesy of
Josh Naylor, whose two-out, bases-clearing double in the eighth inning flipped the script and sent the Mariners to their second postseason since 2001.
For much of the night, it looked like Seattle’s playoff hopes might be put on ice. The Mariners trailed 3-1 through seven innings and managed just three hits all game. But when it mattered most, they delivered. With the bases loaded—thanks to Rockies reliever Juan Mejia hitting two batters and walking another—Naylor smashed a 2-0 fastball from Victor Vodnik into the left-center gap, scoring all three runners and electrifying the home crowd.
Rockies’ Rookie Shines, But Mariners Prevail
While the Mariners celebrated, Rockies fans saw a glimpse of the future in rookie right-hander
McCade Brown. Making just his sixth career start, Brown was dominant, holding Seattle to one run on two hits over five innings and racking up a career-high 10 strikeouts. That performance marked only the second time this season a Rockies pitcher reached double-digit strikeouts, with Kyle Freeland previously hitting the mark against the Padres.
Dominic Canzone provided Seattle’s only offense until the eighth, launching a solo homer in the fifth inning—his 11th of the year.
Mariners’ Home Dominance and What’s Next
Seattle’s win was their 15th in the last 16 games, and they now boast a
major league-best 24-6 home record since the All-Star break. The Mariners (88-69) are now poised to potentially clinch the AL West title as soon as Wednesday.
Looking ahead, the Rockies will send Tanner Gordon (6-7, 6.00 ERA) to the mound, while the Mariners counter with ace Luis Castillo (10-8, 3.63 ERA) in the next matchup.
Expert Commentary: Mariners’ Momentum and Playoff Outlook
This victory wasn’t just about one swing—it was the culmination of a relentless late-season surge. The Mariners have found ways to win close games, and their pitching staff has been lights-out at home. With postseason baseball returning to Seattle, fans and analysts alike are wondering if this team’s momentum can carry them deep into October.
For the Rockies, the loss stings, but McCade Brown’s performance offers hope for the future. If he can build on this outing, Colorado may have found a key piece for their rotation.
Actionable Takeaways and Future Implications
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Mariners fans: Get ready for playoff baseball—Seattle’s second postseason appearance in over two decades is official.
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Rockies fans: Keep an eye on McCade Brown; his development could be a bright spot in a rebuilding year.
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MLB watchers: The AL West race isn’t over yet, and Seattle’s home dominance could be a major factor in the postseason.
Sources
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