Mariners Sweep Cardinals with Leo Rivas Walk-Off HR

Leo Rivas, a 27-year-old utility player for the Seattle Mariners, delivered a dramatic walk-off two-run home run in the 13th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, securing a 4-2 win and the Mariners' fifth straight victory. Rivas, who had spent 10 seasons in the minor leagues before returning to the Mariners' roster on September 1, was initially expected to bunt but was instead signaled to swing away, sending the ball 361 feet to right field. Entering the game as a pinch runner in the 11th inning, Rivas’s surprising home run came after the Mariners had left bases loaded multiple times, highlighting his crucial contribution in a tightly contested wild-card race. The Mariners currently hold a slim lead in the American League wild-card standings but are still chasing the top wild-card spot held by the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Rivas’s performance has been notably productive despite inconsistent playing time, with a solid batting line and impressive on-base and strikeout rates. His walk-off homer not only energized the Mariners but also underscored the importance of every game as the postseason approaches.