Josh Naylor gave the Seattle Mariners an early 1-0 lead in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night, hitting a one-out RBI single to right field that brought home Julio Rodríguez in the top of the first inning.

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Naylor then found himself at the center of a highly unusual play.

Jorge Polanco chopped a grounder to third baseman Ernie Clement, who was shifted over to where the shortstop would normally be. Clement then touched second base for the force out and threw to first for a potential double play, but his throw struck Naylor directly in the helmet.

Naylor, who was most of the way to second base by the time Clement released the ball, jumped up and turned his back to the throw before getting plunked in the back of his helmet.

Josh Naylor was ruled out after further review pic.twitter.com/z4T8ZexXZM

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 21, 2025

After a lengthy conferral, the umpires ruled that Naylor interfered with the throw. As a result, Polanco was ruled out at first for an inning-ending double play.

Naylor has been one of Seattle’s best hitters this postseason, batting .356 with three home runs, two doubles and five RBIs in 12 playoff games. He also has two stolen bases, including a pivotal steal in Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.

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