Salk: Mariners have something special — and different — going on

The Mariners have had some enjoyable groups and a few enormous wins up to now few years. Definitely the Mitch Haniger sport final yr in opposition to the Angels felt like the beginning of one thing. But it surely got here for a workforce that didn’t management its personal future, was desperately making an attempt to hold on, and everybody knew they have been forward of schedule when it got here to competing for a playoff spot.

For second yr in a row, Mariners’ Logan Gilbert is surging on the proper time

Looking back, that win felt like a line of demarcation. It was the second the Mariners introduced their rebuild was over and so they have been able to compete. Sadly, it got here just a bit too late to recover from the hump in 2021, nevertheless it gave Mitch the boldness to pen his now well-known open letter to followers and administration letting them understand it was go time.

It’s too early know for positive the importance of Sunday’s 8-7 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves, but when Mitch’s hit declared the tip of the rebuild, this one – which noticed game-tying and game-winning house runs within the ninth inning by Julio Rodríguez and Eugenio Suárez, respectively – might have signified the start of rivalry.

It was particular.

Particular as a result of it got here with greater than 45,000 within the park, a quantity that wouldn’t have been doable with out their efforts this yr to this point.

Particular as a result of it got here in opposition to the defending champs. Atlanta gained final yr after which added presumed NL Rookie of the Yr Michael Harris II (who went yard twice Sunday).

Particular as a result of the Mariners tagged three-time All-Star nearer Kenley Jansen, who has pitched in 20 postseason collection and has been super.

Particular as a result of it got here after the Mariners’ common components failed them. This bullpen has carried them for almost two years, however after Erik Swanson received an early hook, supervisor Scott Servais burned by way of Andrés Muñoz within the eighth. He might have (and possibly ought to have) gone to Matt Festa within the ninth however as a substitute turned to Diego Castillo. And he in all probability ought to have pulled Castillo after his second straight stroll to begin an inning with a four-run lead. However by the point Paul Sewald surrendered the second house run of the inning, this dominant ‘pen had turned a four-run lead right into a one-run deficit.

However they didn’t surrender. They weren’t shell-shocked. They didn’t panic.

Particular as a result of after all of the video games this pitching employees has gained regardless of a lackluster offensive output, this one allowed the bats to choose up the arms for a change.

There’s a cause why Servais spoke at size concerning the significance of “workforce” after this win. As former Seahawks broad receiver Ricardo Lockette as soon as defined, groups play for one another, not with one another. And in case you noticed the picture of Sewald celebrating with Suárez after the victory, you know the way a lot it meant for somebody to take him off the hook.

Particular as a result of Julio hit that ball 117.2 mph, the toughest hit by a Mariner within the Statcast period. Within the ninth. Down a run. As a result of Julio is completely different.

He’s the explanation this workforce has actual, real hope. He isn’t like most ballplayers. He’s enjoying at a stage that 21 yr olds solely play at when they’re beginning Corridor of Fame careers.

This is identical participant that Marco Gonzales known as the most effective participant he had ever performed with – simply three months into his huge league profession! And he does all of it with the charisma of a Hollywood star and the enjoyment of a kindergartner at recess.

Particular as a result of it got here in September, with the Mariners tied for the highest wild card spot within the American League and a 5 1/2-game cushion to make the playoffs with 22 video games to play and their AL East competitors scheduled to play one another loads down the stretch.

And particular due to the emotional curler coaster for everybody enjoying in or watching this sport. Very like the additional innings win over the Yankees, it felt like a precursor of what’s to come back: a style of the drama and nervousness that solely postseason baseball can create.

Time will inform simply how vital this win was. However as 45,000 went house glad, you may inform that they had a distinct feeling than any crowd leaving this ballpark in many years. They’d simply seen one thing particular.

And so they understand it might be just the start.

Don’t let the tip purpose overshadow the historical past some Mariners are making

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