Mariners' announcer throws shade at Julio Rodriguez enemy after home run vs. Astros

The Mariners-Astros rivalry continues to grow. As Seattle is on the outside looking in and the Astros have won yet another division title, it seems like this is growing to be more of a big brother/little brother-type situation.

As the Astros rested a couple of starters and even tried to send Alex Bregman off with a fan ovation (that failed miserably), the Mariners absolutely pummeled Houston in the final game of a series that only meant something to Seattle. However, with the Mariners likely looking towards the offseason, it was one interesting play that had relatively amusing ramifications (and even more hilarious result from the Mariners' commentary) that we are going to focus on.

Let's start it off with this: the Houston Astros likely had a hangover, and any baseball fan could see this result coming. The Mariners' season was on the line while the Astros clinched a division title the night before. The stakes weren't exactly the highest, but Yusei Kikuchi was on the mound for Houston and it was Bregman's potential final regular season home game.

As Julio Rodriguez joined elite company, becoming just the second player major league history to go 20-20 in each of his first three seasons with a home run off Hector Neris, it was broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith's comment that set the stage and fueled a rivalry that has been brewing.

Mariners' Julio Rodriguez makes history, this time beating Hector Neris as rivalry grows

Nearly a year ago, the Mariners and Astros sat in similar positions; the Astros were locked into the playoffs while the Mariners were battling for their postseason lives. Yet, the Houston vs. Seattle rivalry continued to mount and Hector Neris and Julio Rodriguez were right in the middle of it. The benches cleared and you could just see the emotions present as the two sides went back and forth. Though no punches were exchanged, Rodriguez was able to deliver the most recent blow to the veteran right-hander, and Goldsmith had the perfect, subtle shot at Neris stating, "And of all the guys to hit it off of!"

Rodriguez, at a time that meant little for either team, delivered a ninth-inning home run, securing his place in history. He joined Bobby Witt Jr. in the exclusive class in what has been a relatively disappointing season for the 23-year-old outfielder. With the Mariners likely watching Houston from their couches this offseason, this was a victory that Mariners fans will gladly take as they look towards the offseason. And hopefully they can build off of it in 2025 if they can't make it to October this year.