Naylor’s Go-Ahead Homer Follows Spectacular Julio Rodríguez Play in Mariners Victory
ST. LOUIS – A stunning defensive play by Julio Rodríguez set the stage for a decisive solo home run by Josh Naylor as the Seattle Mariners defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Tuesday night. The Mariners are pursuing a series sweep in Wednesday’s 6:40 p.m. matchup.
Rodríguez’s highlight-reel catch in center field, robbing the Cardinals of a potential rally, energized the team and the crowd. Immediatly following the play, Naylor launched a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning, providing the margin for Seattle’s victory. The Mariners have demonstrably improved since acquiring Naylor from the Arizona diamondbacks in a pre-trade deadline deal, with some analysts suggesting the team is now a legitimate World Series contender.
Naylor is hitting .271 with an .801 OPS in 39 games with seattle, already contributing eight home runs and a 1.5 fWAR. This is a important increase from his time with Arizona, were he hit 11 home runs and posted a 0.8 fWAR in 93 games.
The Mariners and Cardinals conclude their series Wednesday, with radio coverage on Seattle Sports beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the pregame show.
