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Unlikely Name Joins Ken Griffey Jr. in Seattle Mariners Record Books on Monday

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 7/25/23

The Seattle Mariners lost to the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Monday night. It's another devastating loss in a season full of them for Seattle, who is now 50-50 and saw its playoff chances take another dip, falling to 5.5 back of the final wild card spot in the American League.

The loss was made so devastating because the Mariners actually showed some grit and a "no quit" attitude, overcoming a 2-1 deficit in the top of the ninth inning to take a 3-2 lead, only to allow the tying run in the bottom half of the ninth inning - and then fall in the tenth.

The M's took that lead in the ninth on a historic home run with two outs from the unlikeliest of sources: Second baseman Kolten Wong.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Kolten Wong is the 3rd player in Mariners history with a pinch-hit go-ahead HR when trailing in the 9th inning or later.

He joins Adam Lind in 2016 & Ken Griffey Jr. in 1990.

If you had to pick one Mariners player to join Ken Griffey Jr. in history this year, it wouldn't be Wong. Acquired from the Brewers this offseason, he's had a dreadful year. He's hitting just .162 with two homers, 18 RBI and a .472 OPS. He's lost his starting job and has become a part-time player.

The M's will look to rebound on Tuesday when they visit the Twins for game two of a three-game series. George Kirby (9-8, 3.23 ERA) pitches against Pablo Lopez (5-6, 4.22).

First pitch is 7:40 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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