Mariners stun Blue Jays with late rally to win 3-2

Teoscar Hernández hits walkoff single in the ninth against his former team, to give the Mariners a dramatic win versus the Blue Jays.

It was a distinctly surreal atmosphere around T-Mobile Park on Friday night, as the Mariners had to contend with the annual influx of Blue Jays supporters. There is no other series in Seattle, where there are just as many — if not more — visiting fans in the stadium.

The Mariners were able to deal with the unusual atmosphere however, to win the first of what is an extremely important three-game series for both ballclubs. And at the heart of the victory for the home side, was someone who used to play for the Blue Jays.

Coming in to bat in the bottom of the ninth, Teoscar Hernández already had two hits. Determined to prove himself after a poor showing earlier in the year in Toronto, now he was presented with the ultimate opportunity.

The score was tied at 2-2, but it wouldn’t be easy for Hernández. The Mariners already had two outs and he was facing two-time All-Star Jordan Romano.

Hernández delivers

Any doubt was quickly erased though, as the two-time Silver Slugger hit the first pitch he faced. The single subsequently brought Jose Caballero home, for the game-winning score.

Hernández responded to the walkoff hit with a passionate scream. He was understandably ecstatic, capping off a wonderful personal performance, where he had a game-high three hits.

The ensuing celebration was something to behold for a Mariners team which desperately needed the win. Talking to the media postgame, Hernández said:

“I was enjoying it, every single bit that I could enjoy, especially because we won the game. For me, that’s all that matters. The emotions come through and you just let them go.”

Mariners manager Scott Servais knew how much the game meant to Hernández against his former team. Speaking to the media, Servais said:

“He was trying to do too much (in the earlier series in Toronto) and I joked with him earlier today, you know, let’s just take a deep breath and try to have fun and he said, ‘I got this.’ And he did.”

Mariners bats wake up late

The 2021 All-Star only had the opportunity to win the game, thanks to a late comeback. The Mariners offense had struggled most of the night, and found themselves down 2-0 in the middle of the seventh.

Seattle finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh, courtesy of Mike Ford. The hot-hotting Ford had come in as a pinch-hitter for the struggling Dylan Moore, and made the most of his one chance.

The Mariners then tied the game at 2-2 an inning later, thanks to Ty France. His second hit of the night brought Tom Murphy home in the bottom of the eight, to set up the dramatic conclusion.

Miller has short but sweet start

The Mariners had been kept in the game by a good showing from Bryce Miller. He allowed just three hits and one run, while striking out six.

Yes Miller also allowed two walks and was taken out after 5.1 innings. However, he’s still working his way back from a blister which forced him to spend time on the injured list.

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Additionally, the righty’s velocity had decreased slightly during his outing. As such, the decision was made to take him out after 75 pitches.

Certainly, you can’t blame the Mariners for being cautious with Miller, although he understandably would have liked to stay in. He said:

“I wasn’t expecting to come out there, but the bullpen came in and did their job (and) took care of business.”

In truth, the bullpen had some struggles. Gabe Speier gave up the Blue Jays’ second run in the top of the seventh, while Prelander Berroa had three walks.

In fact, Berroa’s walks played a part in creating a tense situation in the top of the eighth, as the Blue Jays loaded the bases with just one out. Fortunately for the home fans, the Mariners ended the threat with a tremendous inning-ending double play.

Eugenio Suarez was key to the double play and Servais made sure to give him his appropriate praise. He said:

“Geno has had a fantastic season defensively. It’s his ability to make throws off-balance and on-target. The whole key to the double play, is you’ve got to get it to the second baseman and give him a chance to turn it. Huge play.”

A win to build on

Overall, Servais was able to appreciate everything about the evening. He said:

“Fun game. I think everybody got their money’s worth. We haven’t had one of those in a while. Obviously a lot of electricity in the ballpark tonight, with all of our visiting friends from up north.”

With the win, the Mariners creep back above .500 at 49-48. They also climb to within 4.5 games of the Blue Jays, for the final wild card spot in the AL.

As always though, the question remains of if Seattle can (finally) start winning with more consistency? As Servais said:

“You can hopefully build some momentum going forward, because we need it. We haven’t put a big streak together yet this year. Hopefully a game like tonight will help push us down the road with that.”

Saturday afternoon’s matchup on the mound is an enticing one. Kevin Gausman leads the Majors in strikeouts, while Logan Gilbert is tied for the second-best WHIP among all qualifying starters.

Do you see the Mariners building on the momentum of a big win against a top team also competing for a playoff spot? Or do you predict they will continue to be as inconsistent as they have been so far in 2023? Let us know in the comments section below.