Mariners: 5 takeaways from much needed series win series versus Indians

4) Kelenic announce his arrival after quiet debut

When you’re a top-rated prospect with all the potential to be a superstar, the hype is going to be considerable. In this respect, living up to the billing was always going to be difficult.

And so it proved, as Jarred Kelenic went hitless in four at-bats during his debut on Thursday night. However, if nothing else, at least he gained some invaluable experience.

Armed with his first game of Major League experience, Kelenic proceeded to live up to the hype the following night. In fact, you could argue he surpassed it during an explosive performance in just his second ever game at the top level.

After striking out in his first at-bat on Friday night, the 21-year-old came up again in the third inning and duly recorded his first Major League hit. However, in keeping with his storybook journey through the ranks of baseball, it was a two-run homer which gave the Mariners a 3-0 lead.

As a result, Kelenic became the second-youngest player in franchise history to hit a home run out of the leadoff sport. (21 year and 302 days old.) The youngest player to achieve this was a certain Ken Griffey Jr.

As it turned out, the 2018 sixth overall draft pick was only getting started. He displayed his speed as he hustled out two doubles and added one more RBI, to finish the night with three hits, three RBI and two runs.

Further adding fuel to the hype, Kelenic became the youngest American League player with three+ extra-base hits out of the leadoff spot since Ricky Henderson on Sept. 7, 1979. He also helped chase Indians pitcher Aaron Civale from the game, who had entered the night with a 2.91 ERA and 5-0 record in seven starts.

There was a poignant moment when Kelenic and Kyle Lewis celebrated with a warm embrace. Lewis was the last Mariner to record a home run with his first Major League hit, on Sept. 10, 2019.

There is little doubt Kelenic will continue to have more ups and downs this season and beyond. However, the desperately needed boost he provided was clear and Mariners fans will be hoping it galvanizes the ball club moving forward.

In terms of the two doubles, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native provided some insight into his mindset after the game. Speaking to the media, he said:

“Ever since I was young, my dad always taught me that when you make contact, it’s always a double out of the box … And I think that, like you say tonight – especially on the first double – I feel like those are iffy if the outfielder is going to get to it in time and make a good throw.

“(However), if I can put some pressure on him early, when he peeks at me coming around first base, he may overthrow it. And now I’m in scoring position for the guy behind me.”

Understandably, the most special moment of the night for Kelenic was rounding the bases and pointing to his family and girlfriend in the stands after hitting his home run. He said:

“I think it’s everything you dream of. To be able to share this with my parents, my friends and other family members is huge, and something I’ll never forget.”

You imagine everyone in attendance at T-Mobile Park feels the same way. Now, teammates and fans alike will be hoping Friday night is just the start of numerous memories Kelenic provides in the coming months and years.

NEXT: REGULAR STARTERS GET THE JOB DONE