The September 18, 2024 clash between the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners delivered a nail-biting 5-3 victory for the Mariners, fueled by Julio Rodríguez’s clutch performance and a locked-in bullpen. While the Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu combined for 4 hits, Seattle’s pitching staff stranded 8 Yankees runners, including a game-ending strikeout of Aaron Judge with bases loaded. The match at Yankee Stadium (72°F, clear skies) had playoff-intensity energy, with both teams trading leads until Rodríguez’s 7th-inning RBI double sealed the win.
For advanced metrics like exit velocity, pitch sequencing, and win probability graphs, check MLB’s Statcast. Below, we break down player stats, tactical decisions, and key moments missing from standard recaps.
Yankees Player Stats: Missed Opportunities
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | K | AVG | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ LeMahieu* | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .500 | 145 |
| Aaron Judge | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | .333 | 120 |
| Anthony Rizzo | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .250 | 110 |
| *LeMahieu’s .500 AVG led Yankees but lacked RBI chances. | ||||||||
Key Issue: Yankees went 1-for-7 with RISP—Stanton’s 3 Ks (including a 9th-inning whiff with bases loaded) were pivotal.
Mariners Player Stats: Rodríguez Shines
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | K | AVG | Hard Hit% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julio Rodríguez# | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .400 | 92% |
| Teoscar Hernández | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .333 | 88% |
| #Rodríguez’s 7th-inning RBI double had a 107.3 mph exit velocity<. | ||||||||
Why Seattle Won: Bullpen dominance—4 relievers held Yankees to 1 hit over final 3 innings, with Paul Sewald’s 98 mph fastball fanning Judge to end it.
Tactical Breakdown: Pitching & Defensive Plays
| Inning | Play | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Top 7th | Rodríguez’s RBI double off Clay Holmes | +32% Win Probability |
| Bottom 5th | Yankees’ double play with bases loaded | Saved 2+ runs |
Dodgers vs. Mariners Preview: Key Stats
With Seattle facing the Los Angeles Dodgers next, here’s what matters:
- Pitching Matchup: Logan Gilbert (SEA, 3.12 ERA) vs. Walker Buehler (LAD, 2.89 ERA).
- Rodríguez vs. Dodgers: .310 AVG in 2024 (3 HRs).
- Bullpen Edge: Mariners’ relievers have a 2.98 ERA vs. Dodgers’ 3.45.
Stat to Watch: Dodgers lead MLB in 1st-inning runs (78)—Gilbert must avoid early damage.
