Julio Rodríguez made headlines on Thursday during the Seattle Mariners’ series finale versus the Philadelphia Phillies by launching a remarkable home run off an exceptionally low pitch. This
“Julio Rodríguez low pitch home run”
has stood out not only for its distance but also because the pitch was strikingly close to the ground, setting a new Mariners record.
The Mariners’ center fielder swung at a slider that was nearly grazing his shoe tops, sending the ball soaring 363 feet for a solo home run in the first inning. The ball left Rodríguez’s bat at a blistering 100.2 miles per hour, coming off Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo.
Record-Breaking Low Pitch Home Run Sets a New Standard
According to MLB.com analyst Sarah Langs, the pitch Rodríguez sent over the fence was just 0.71 feet—approximately nine inches—from the ground. This marks the lowest pitch ever hit for a home run by a Mariners player since pitch tracking began in 2008. This feat also ranks as the second-lowest pitch hit for a homer across all MLB players since at least 2010, falling just short of Joc Pederson’s record of 0.68 feet.
This 25th home run of Rodríguez’s season gave Seattle an early 1-0 lead with two outs in the top of the first inning, energizing the team from the outset.
Rodríguez’s Continuing Hot Streak Fuels Mariners’ Offense
Since announcing he would skip the All-Star Game on July 11, Rodríguez has maintained an exceptional level of performance. His 14 home runs since the announcement are second-most in baseball during this period, highlighting his rising power and consistency.
Before Thursday’s game, Rodríguez had compiled a batting line of .298/.344/.645, equating to an OPS of .990 over 34 games, with 22 extra-base hits and 26 RBIs. This surge contributes significantly to the Mariners’ offense as they push through the season.
Recent Updates Pertaining to the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have recently experienced notable roster and disciplinary developments. Outfielder Victor Robles received a suspension from MLB, with expectations of a significant length, as noted by baseball insider Jeff Passan. Additionally, the team made five roster moves, including the return of a player named Miller. Fans have also been following off-field stories, such as <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/cal-raleigh/”>Cal Raleigh’s unique chest protector during the Little League Classic and other clubhouse moments highlighting team dynamics.
Implications and Future Outlook for Rodríguez and the Mariners
Julio Rodríguez’s remarkable home run off a remarkably low pitch underscores his extraordinary skill and ability to capitalize on challenging pitches. This achievement not only solidifies Rodríguez’s role as a vital asset for Seattle but also elevates expectations for his potential as an MVP candidate amid a competitive MLB landscape. As the Mariners continue their season, Rodríguez’s performance may prove crucial in their pursuit of postseason success.