Jorge Polanco's Two Postseason Home Runs Propel Mariners to Crucial ALDS Game 2 Victory

Jorge Polanco delivered a heroic performance in Game 2 of the AL Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, hitting two home runs off reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. His efforts led the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory, evening the series and marking the team's first home playoff win since 2001, to the cheers of 47,371 fans. Polanco, the fourth Mariner with a multi-homer postseason game, described his calm approach as "just trying to get a good pitch to hit." This impactful 2025 season follows a challenging period, including left patellar tendon surgery a year ago and the Mariners declining his $12 million option before re-signing him for $7 million. After a 2024 season playing through injury with a .213 average and .651 OPS, Polanco has been healthy and impactful, mashing 26 home runs and playing the field more. Teammate Julio Rodríguez lauded Polanco's inspiration and happiness for his success, calling his Game 2 performance "pretty unbelievable" and critical for the Mariners.