Cal Raleigh watched as a flyball off Carlos Correa’s bat traveled towards the gap in right-center field.
Seattle Mariners clinch tiebreaker, kick Astros out of playoff position
His eyes were fixed on center fielder Julio Rodríguez with hopes the standout defender would swoop in and make yet another highlight-reel play. Instead, Rodríguez pulled up and all Raleigh saw was a flash of pink.
That flash was right fielder Victor Robles, who came out of nowhere to make an incredible diving play and throw to second for a game-ending double play that sealed a massive win for the Seattle Mariners over the Houston Astros.
“Vic – unbelievable,” Raleigh said postgame.
The Astros had clawed back from down six runs in the seventh inning and trailed 6-4 when Correa stepped to the plate with runners on first and second and one out. He took slider off the plate the other way for what looked to be a well-placed base hit, but Robles made a head first slide and nabbed the ball at full extension and threw back to second double off Jake Meyers.
Meyers appeared to be in the same boat as Raleigh in terms not expecting Robles to come in and make the play, as Houston’s baserunner was about to cross home plate when the throw got back in reached the infield. You can see the play below.
Seattle’s right fielder broke down his spectacular play during a postgame interview with Seattle Sports Mariners insider Shannon Drayer.
“(I) was well-positioned, but also (I) was playing shallower than usual,” Robles said with bench coach Manny Acta interpreting. “(I) knew that Julio was in the back and probably had too much room to cover, and (my) focus was just trying to catch the ball.”
The Mariners’ victory clinched the season tiebreaker with the Astros, who now need to make up three games to pass Seattle with just seven to go.
“It’s a privilege to be here, especially after going through (along rehab process from a shoulder injury),” said Robles, who missed over four months with a fracture and dislocation in his shoulder. “(I) didn’t think at the beginning that (I) was going to be able to come back from such a horrible injury, but (I’m) here and (I) think God and all my teammates. … (I’m) full of confidence just like everybody here.”
More on the Seattle Mariners
• Cal Raleigh passes Griffey for Mariners’ single-season HR record
• The latest on Mariners starter Bryan Woo’s injury
• Colt Emerson showcasing ‘unique’ talent in Triple-A
• Lefko: Franchise-defining moment awaits the Mariners
• How Seattle Mariners, Astros match up on mound for key series
