J-Rod returns to help M’s climb atop AL wild card

ARLINGTON, Texas — Star rookie Julio Rodriguez obtained two hits in his return to the Seattle lineup and the Mariners took over the primary wild-card place within the American League by beating the Texas Rangers 6-2 on Friday evening.

The 21-year-old Rodriguez, who placed on a formidable present within the All-Star Residence Run Derby, had missed the Mariners’ earlier 11 video games with a wrist damage.

Rodriguez hit a tiebreaking, opposite-field single to shallow proper with the bases loaded within the fourth inning. He was the primary batter to face Jose Leclerc, who relieved Taylor Hearn.

Rodriguez hit a grand slam off Leclerc at Globe Life Subject on July 15.

“I simply felt good,” Rodriguez stated. “I simply went on the market and competed. I wasn’t fearful about something.”

Rodriguez additionally despatched 400-foot shot almost over the left-field foul pole within the sixth that was dominated foul, even after a Seattle problem.

“I assumed it went over,” Rodriguez stated. “They need to put [the pole] larger.”

George Kirby (4-3) allowed two runs in 5⅔ innings on seven hits with 5 strikeouts and one stroll. It was the rookie’s second straight win.

The victory, mixed with Toronto’s loss to Cleveland, gave the Mariners a half-game lead over the Blue Jays.

The Mariners are a season-best 10 video games over .500 and are 12-2 with 9 consecutive wins this season towards the Rangers, who dropped to a season-low 14 video games underneath .500.

The Related Press contributed to this report.