Polanco's heroics this postseason has brought him even with Ken Griffey Jr. in an incredible stat
The Seattle Mariners will return to the Pacific Northwest in prime position to make the first World Series in franchise history.
The Mariners are up 2-0 in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series over the Toronto Blue Jays. Seattle beat Toronto 3-1 on Sunday and 10-3 on Monday, respectively.
The Mariners have won three consecutive playing games, including the 15-inning, 3-2 win in the American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, respectively.
Veteran second baseman Jorge Polanco has had his fingerprints all over Seattle's postseason win streak.
Polanco hit the walk-off RBI single in Game 5 of the ALDS to clinch the Mariners' berth to the ALCS. He also hit a pair of RBI singles in Game 1 of the ALCS — the first of which gave the M's the lead and the second resulted in the eventual final of 3-1.
In Game 2 Monday, Polanco hit a three-run home run that broke a 3-3 tie.
Polanco's efforts have directly resulted in success for Seattle, and he's brought himself even with a team and MLB legend in the process.
According to a post on "X" from Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports), Polanco's four go-ahead plate appearances these playoffs is tied for the most in franchise history. National Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. had four go-ahead plate appearances in the 1995 playoffs.
This postseason, Polanco's fifth in his 12-year career, has hit .258 (8-for-31) with five runs, three home runs and eight RBIs.
This past offseason, Polanco was unsure what his future would hold. He played just 118 games due to injuries and slashed .213/.296/.355 with a .651 OPS. He underwent offseason knee surgery and had his option declined by Seattle, making him a free agent.
The Mariners brought Polanco back on a one-year, $7.75 million contract with a vesting option for 2026 based on plate appearances.
That decision proved to be a fruitful one. Polanco scored 64 runs in 138 games and hit 30 doubles and 26 home runs with 78 RBIs. He slashed .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS.
The Mariners will have an off-day Tuesday before playing Game 3 of the ALCS against the Blue Jays at 5:08 p.m. PT on Wednesday. George Kirby will start for Seattle and Shane Bieber will start for Toronto.
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