Wednesday night was just the latest in a long line of gut punches for the Seattle Mariners this season.

The M’s fell 2-1 in 10 innings to the New York Yankees, dropping their second straight game against New York at T-Mobile Park. As their once promising playoff hopes recede, Seattle is now 77-75. They are 5.0 games back in the American League West and 4.0 games back in the wild card with just 10 games to play.

The loss isn’t the gut-punch part. Nor is the scoring of only one run. The M’s and their fans are used to that. What made this one was so tough was that the M’s seemingly invented a new way to lose.

Let’s set the scene:

In the bottom of the tenth inning, the M’s had runners at first and third with nobody out. A simple fly ball would have tied the game. Heck, even a ground ball double play would have done the same. A hit could have won it if placed properly. Instead, Randy Arozarena struck out. While striking out, he threw his bat down the third base line, narrowly hitting Julio Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was clearly startled, and then in an effort to shake it off, strayed too far from the base, getting doubled off third for the second out of the inning. Justin Turner then popped up to end the game and probably end the M’s playoff chances.

You can see the play below:

Sadly, this is the second straight night in which the M’s have made a critical mistake on the bases. Just Tuesday, Victor Robles inexplicably tried to steal home with the bases loaded and a 3-0 count, and was promptly thrown out.

The Mariners and Yankees will play again on Thursday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. PT.

NEW PODCAST IS OUT: The latest episode of the “Refuse to Lose” podcast is out as Brady Farkas talks about the meaning of the M’s loss on Thursday to the Texas Rangers and the dominance of Bryan Woo on Wednesday against the Padres. He’s joined by Joe Doyle of the “Over Slot” podcast to talk about the M’s roster and looming issues, and then he talks with Kevin Kugler of FS1, who was on the call for Woo’s start. CLICK HERE:

BOOMSTICK BABY: Reports are out that Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims is up for the Yankees radio job. Here’s the latest.

ET TU, Victor?: Victor Robles, who has been one of the shining lights of the M’s seasons, made a critical error on Tuesday. Here’s the play. CLICK HERE:

Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on “X” @Teren_Kowatsch and @wdevradiobrady. You can subscribe to the “Refuse to Lose” podcast by clicking HERE: