UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners are on the brink of history, leading the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to an electrifying performance by Jorge Polanco. In a pivotal Game 2 on October 16, 2023, Polanco delivered a game-changing three-run home run, propelling the Mariners to a commanding 10-3 victory. This win puts Seattle ahead two games to none in the series, just two wins away from their first-ever AL pennant.
The Mariners’ clubhouse echoed with the sounds of the “Top Gun Anthem” post-game, a fitting backdrop as Polanco has become the heart of this postseason surge. His teammates, including star catcher Cal Raleigh, have embraced his infectious spirit and resilience. “When he’s doing what he’s done this postseason, his ringtone could be anything, and no one would mind,” Raleigh stated, highlighting Polanco’s pivotal role in the Mariners’ success.
Polanco’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After undergoing surgery last October to repair a troublesome left knee, the 32-year-old veteran re-signed with the Mariners for $7.75 million for the season, uncertain if he could return to form. “It’s been a journey, man,” Polanco said. “I think God just prepared me for this year. You just have to have faith.”
His determination has paid off spectacularly. Just earlier in this postseason, Polanco made headlines with a series of clutch performances, including a critical single in the 15th inning of the division series against the Detroit Tigers that advanced the Mariners to their first ALCS since 2001. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a key player for Seattle.
In Game 2 against the Blue Jays, Polanco’s pivotal home run came in the fifth inning off Toronto’s Louis Varland, sending the ball soaring 400 feet and transforming a tight 3-3 tie into a 6-3 lead. Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Polanco’s recent form: “His swing right now is very short… he’s just getting that kind of spin on it right now where it stays up.”
Polanco’s performance is historic. He is the first player in MLB history to deliver three consecutive game-winning hits after the fifth inning in postseason play. This level of clutch hitting is vital for a team that has faced a long history of heartbreak, never having reached a World Series in their 49-year existence.
As the Mariners prepare for Game 3 at T-Mobile Park, the excitement is palpable. With the momentum on their side and the team rallying behind Polanco’s leadership, fans are hopeful that this could be the year they finally break through. “What’s most impressive is bouncing back after a rough year last year,” said pitcher Bryan Woo, who is set to start Game 3. “To do what he’s doing — get healthy, come back, help the team — is even more impressive.”
The Mariners, once trailing the Houston Astros by 3.5 games in the AL West, have turned their season around, going 17-4 leading up to the postseason. As they now stand on the cusp of a historic achievement, the players are aware of the weight of their franchise’s history. “We’ve heard it a lot. We know,” Polanco acknowledged, reflecting on the significance of their playoff journey.
With Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor contributing significantly to the team’s offense, the Mariners are poised to capture the AL pennant and chase their long-awaited World Series dream. The next game promises to be a thrilling encounter as Seattle seeks to extend their winning streak and make history.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Mariners continue their quest for glory in this thrilling postseason run.