Mariners clinch playoff berth as Josh Naylor delivers game-winning clutch hit against Rockies

Josh Naylor’s clutch three-run double in the eighth inning lifted the Seattle Mariners to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night, securing a playoff berth for the team. Dominic Canzone also contributed with a solo home run, helping Seattle (88-69) extend its winning streak to five games and claim at least an American League wild-card spot. With five games remaining, the Mariners hold a four-game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West.


Trailing 3-1 with two outs in the eighth and just two hits, Seattle staged a dramatic rally. Pinch hitter Luke Raley was hit by a pitch, and J.P. Crawford walked, loading the bases after Julio Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Facing Victor Vodnik, Naylor delivered a 2-0 fastball into the left-center gap to clear the bases and give the Mariners the lead.


Gabe Speier and Andres Munoz closed the game, with Munoz recording his 38th save after striking out two in the ninth.


The Rockies’ starter McCade Brown, seeking his first career win in just his sixth MLB start, allowed one run on two hits over five innings but struck out a career-high 10 batters. Mariners starter Bryce Miller gave up three runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out four.


Colorado had taken a 1-0 lead in the second when Jordan Beck scored on an infield single following a sacrifice bunt by Tovar. The Rockies added another run in the sixth on Tovar’s RBI single that scored Mickey Moniak and Blaine Crim, tying the game 3-3 before Naylor’s heroics.

Seattle’s late rally and timely hitting not only earned the win but also ensured the Mariners’ return to the postseason, keeping their momentum strong heading toward the final stretch of the regular season.