Julio Rodríguez makes history with his 100th HR as the Mariners edge the Rangers 5-4 on Aug 3, 2025. See how Seattle rocked ace Jacob deGrom for the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some days are just bigger than a single win. Sunday at T-Mobile Park was one of those days. In a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the division-rival Texas Rangers, Julio Rodríguez didn't just help win the game—he blasted his way into the MLB record books with a historic home run, reminding everyone in Seattle just how special their superstar center fielder truly is.
With his 100th career home run, Julio Rodríguez became the first player in MLB history with 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases in each of his first four seasons.
The moment came in the bottom of the third inning. With a runner on, Julio Rodríguez stepped to the plate and did what he does best: electrify the crowd. He launched a two-run shot for his 100th career home run, but the milestone was even grander. The homer was his 20th of the season, and combined with his 21 stolen bases, it cemented his place in history as the first player ever to post 20 homers and 20 steals in each of his first four big-league seasons. It's a record of unprecedented power and speed, a testament to the unique, five-tool talent that has defined the Mariners' resurgence.
Julio wasn't the only Mariner who came to mash. The offense ambushed Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who hadn't surrendered three home runs in a game since 2022. Jorge Polanco got the party started in the second with a 404-foot solo blast, his 18th of the year. Not to be outdone, J.P. Crawford delivered what would be the game-winning blow in the fourth, a towering 408-foot, two-run homer to right-center that gave Seattle a 5-3 lead they would never relinquish. Tagging a pitcher of deGrom's caliber for three separate homers shows just how dangerous this lineup can be when it's clicking.
While the offense provided the fireworks, the pitching staff had to walk a tightrope to secure the win. Starter Logan Evans battled through his outing to earn his fifth win, allowing three runs but keeping the team in the game. The real drama came late. After a replay review erased a Sam Haggerty stolen base in the ninth, the pressure fell squarely on closer Andrés Muñoz. With the tying run on base, Muñoz stared down Rangers slugger Wyatt Langford and struck him out, sealing his 25th save of the season and sending the T-Mobile Park faithful home happy. It was a classic bend-but-don't-break performance from the bullpen.
In off-the-field news, the Mariners made a small roster adjustment, outrighting right-handed reliever Collin Snider to Triple-A Tacoma after he cleared waivers. Snider, who was designated for assignment to make room for Caleb Ferguson, will provide depth in the minors. It's a minor move, but one that shows the front office is continually fine-tuning the edges of the roster for the stretch run.
This wasn't just another win in August; it was a statement. Taking a series from the Rangers, powered by a historic day from their franchise player and clutch hits from veterans, is exactly the kind of momentum the Mariners need. As they head into their next series, they do so with a reminder of just how high their ceiling is when the bats and the arms come together. The playoff race is heating up, and Seattle just turned up the thermostat.
