Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners' Julio Rodriguez makes MLB history following 5-for-5 day

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/17/23

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez has been virtually unconscious at the plate over the last 48 hours, capping it off with a remarkable, history-making, 5-for-5 day Thursday against the Kansas City Royals.

Rodriguez has nine hits over the last two games, making him the third-youngest player to accomplish the feat since 1901. Only Freddie Lindstrom in 1928 (22 years, 217 days) and Frankie Hayes in 1936 (21 years, 287 days) were younger, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Following a four-hit day Wednesday, Rodriguez bettered himself in the Mariners' 6-4 win Thursday, tallying five base hits, including a double and his 20th homer of the season. With 20 home runs and 20-plus steals on the year, Rodriguez joined Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. as the only players to do so in their first two major league seasons.

JULIOOOOOOOO!

He's 5-for-5 and his last hit was DESTROYED! pic.twitter.com/9G6ckUHrXs
— MLB (@MLB) August 17, 2023

Furthermore, Rodriguez is on pace to make Mariners history. With 48 career long balls, Rodriguez needs only two more over the next 19 games to pass Alex Rodriguez (169 games) as the fastest Mariner to 50 career home runs.

Julio's first 5-for-5 day helped the Mariners take three of four over the Royals. The 22-year-old led the charge, finishing 12-for-21 with a home run, two doubles, 11 RBI and three stolen bases. Meanwhile, the Mariners are 11-4 in August and are now only a half-game back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the third wild-card spot in the American League.

It's safe to say the Mariners have a winner in Rodriguez, who has proven to be an elite difference-maker over two seasons. After earning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2022, Rodriguez has posted a heck of an encore in his sophomore campaign. Rodriguez is only eight homers off his pace from last season (28) and has already surpassed his rookie RBI total by three (78), all while slashing .269/.329/.451 through 118 games.

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