By MLB-Pro.com – Published on October 19, 2023
Baltimore, MD – The Seattle Mariners have punched their ticket to the World Series, and they did it with style in enemy territory. In a dramatic Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Mariners outperformed the Baltimore Orioles, winning 9-5.
Dazzling Offense:
Seattle’s offense was nothing short of spectacular in this series-clinching game. They exploded for nine runs on 13 hits, showcasing their incredible depth and power.
Cabañas and Machado also made significant contributions, each sending a ball into the stands. These clutch home runs added to an already impressive list of postseason achievements for the Mariners.
Pitching Excellence:
While the bats were on fire, the pitching staff played an integral role. Justin Hooper, who started for Seattle, displayed nerves of steel. Over six innings, he allowed just five hits and three runs, striking out seven Orioles. His poised performance earned him the win and kept the Orioles at bay.
Reliever Blake Snell and José Padilla closed out the game, ensuring that Baltimore couldn’t mount a late comeback.
MVP Machado Shines:
Manny Machado was a force to be reckoned with throughout the ALCS, and Game 4 was no different. His .625 batting average, two home runs, and six RBIs were pivotal in propelling the Mariners to victory. His consistent dominance led to a well-deserved MVP title for this series.
Kaiser’s Key Addition:
Manager Justin Kaiser spoke about the significance of the journey to the World Series and the key role played by their mid-season acquisition, Gary Copeland: “This season has been about going all in and giving our all. Every player on this team has contributed to this amazing ride. Adding Gary Copeland to the squad during the season was a game-changer for us. He brought a spark to the team and added tremendous depth to our batting lineup. His contributions were instrumental in our playoff run.”
The Road to the World Series:
As the Mariners now turn their eyes to the World Series, Kaiser and several players weighed in on the excitement of reaching the World Series after such a grueling season:
- Evan White: “This season has been an incredible journey, and reaching the World Series is a dream come true.”
- Francisco Lindor: “Our team worked relentlessly for this moment. Now we have a shot at the ultimate prize.”
- Manny Machado: “This is what we’ve worked so hard for. The World Series is where every player wants to be, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”
The Mariners will face the winner of the Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves series in the upcoming World Series. After their emphatic sweep of the Orioles, they head into the championship round with their heads held high and their eyes firmly fixed on the championship trophy.