In Seattle, a spectacular performance led by Jorge Polanco propelled the Mariners to a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on a thrilling Tuesday night.
Polanco delivered an impressive two-home-run night, contributing all five of the Mariners’ runs. He first struck in the second inning with a three-run homer that placed Seattle in an early 3-0 lead. Later, Polanco launched another home run in the seventh inning, a two-run blast against Angels’ reliever Jose Fermin, marking his ninth homer of the season and stretching the lead to 5-1.
Polanco has been riding a hot streak, and his recent performances have lived up to his title as the American League’s reigning player of the week. Over the last week, he’s been hitting a remarkable 8 for 17, including two doubles, four home runs, and eight RBIs across just five games.
The Mariners’ promising start was supported by starting pitcher Bryce Miller, who showcased commendable control and precision on the mound. Miller allowed just two hits over five scoreless innings while striking out six batters. Despite the commendable performance by the Angels’ starter Jack Kochanowicz, particularly outside of the initial homer from Polanco, Miller’s dominance kept Seattle in command.
The Angels attempted a late rally, with Logan O’Hoppe smacking a solo homer in the seventh inning. The team also added two more runs in the eighth, thanks to run-scoring doubles by Nolan Schanuel and Jorge Soler, narrowing the Mariners’ lead. Nevertheless, Seattle’s bullpen held firm, with Andrés Muñoz securing the final three outs to earn his 11th save of the season.
The win marked the Mariners’ 17th victory of the season and their fifth win in the last six games.
A crucial moment unfolded in the second inning when Polanco, taking advantage of two walks that loaded the bases, faced a sinker from Kochanowicz. He connected sharply and sent it sailing over the right-center field wall, a pivotal hit that established Seattle’s early lead.
This game brought Polanco into the Mariners’ history books as the first player to achieve two multi-homer games within a span of three games since Cal Raleigh last season. Moreover, he is also the first Mariners hitter to record two multi-home run games before April’s end since Nelson Cruz achieved the feat in 2015.
Looking ahead, the series continues as Seattle’s right-hander Emerson Hancock, holding a 1-1 record with a 7.71 ERA, is set to start on Wednesday’s game against the Angels’ left-hander Tyler Anderson, who enters with a 2-0 record and a 2.60 ERA in the series finale.