The Seattle Mariners lost a close game to the Los Angeles Angels on April 5, after outfielder Jo Adell made three home run-robbing catches at Angel Stadium. The game ended with a score of 1-0, with each of Adell’s defensive plays preventing potential runs for the Mariners.
This event is notable because such a display of defensive skill is rare in Major League Baseball. All three robbed home runs could have changed the outcome and were described as game-saving plays for the Angels.
Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor, and J.P. Crawford each had their long fly balls caught by Adell before they could clear the fence. Raleigh said, “You just tip the cap. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it’s just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and night out. You can see something you’ve never seen before. The game, it’s amazing. I’ve never seen that.” Crawford’s attempt in the ninth inning was especially dramatic as Adell left his feet and disappeared into the stands while making the catch.
Manager Dan Wilson commented on his team’s performance: “Three great catches, no question,” Wilson said. “And it’s frustrating when you feel like you put a good swing on a ball like that and drive it, like our guys did, and you don’t end up with anything to show for it. But I think that the positive there is that guys are starting to swing the bat and it’s starting to come around.” Despite this optimism, Seattle stranded nine baserunners and went hitless in seven opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Pitcher Emerson Hancock delivered another strong outing for Seattle but gave up one solo homerun to Zach Neto in the first inning—ultimately accounting for all of Anaheim’s offense on Saturday.
Looking ahead, both players and coaches acknowledged areas needing improvement but also expressed confidence about future games: “In general, I felt a lot better tonight,” Raleigh said. “I thought I took some good swings, took some good at-bats… But overall, I thought, the guys took some great swings tonight.”
