WATCH: Seattle Mariners' Jarred Kelenic Hits Mammoth Game-Tying Home Run vs. Chicago Cubs
Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic hit a massive home run in the top of the ninth inning on Monday night to tie the game at 2-2 against the Chicago Cubs.
Kelenic, who did not the start the game, hit his first home run of the season off of Cubs closer Michael Fullmer.
The pitch from Fullmer came in at 90 mph and was lifted out to deep right. It was a no-doubter that hit the Wrigley Field scoreboard.
The home run put the halt to a frustrating offensive night for the Mariners, who only had four hits for the night prior to that blast.
Kelenic, 23, was the centerpiece of the Mariners trade that sent Robinson Cano to the Mets before the 2019 season. Long considered one of the top prospects in baseball, it's been a struggle for Kelenic to gain traction at the major league level.
He's a lifetime .175 hitter through 530 career at-bats, but he has 22 homers to his resume. He has undeniable tools and the Mariners are trying to find ways to maximize that talent and put him in advantageous situations. He didn't start the game on Monday because a lefty was pitching for the Cubs. He's been platooning with AJ Pollock and entered the game in the later stages when the Cubs went to a righty reliever.
Kelenic is out to a better start under this system, hitting .300 through his first 30 at-bats. He has three RBI and two stolen bases. In addition to the big home run on Monday, he had a go-ahead base hit in extra innings on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians.
If he can figure it out regularly, the Mariners offense will get a big boost, which they could use given the questions about the pitching staff and its health. Robbie Ray and Andres Munoz are both on the injured list right now.
Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
