An important circuit for Abraham Toro

Quebecer Abraham Toro is currently experiencing strong emotions with the Seattle Mariners, finding himself in the midst of an incredible push for a playoff participation.

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The 24-year-old, a native of Greenfield Park, also helped keep the Mariners’ hopes alive late Wednesday night in Seattle by pulling off an important solo homerun at the end of the eighth inning in a victory of 4-2 against the Oakland Athletics.

Toro’s long ball, hit at the expense of reliever Sergio Romo when there were two outs, may not have given his side the victory straight away, but it certainly gave the club a little better breathing space with it. one more point on the board.

Leading by two to enter the ninth inning, the Mariners then closed the door to the A’s with reliever Drew Steckenrider, who got his 13th save of the season.

“We’re not there yet, but we already felt like we were in a playoff game,” Mariners manager Scott Servais admitted after the game, as quoted by the Seattle Times. It’s an incredible effort from our players. I am so proud of them. ”

Crucial matches to come

The crowd of 17,366 spectators gathered at T-Mobile Park will obviously have made its presence felt, particularly reacting strongly to the Toro circuit.

“It’s fun,” continued the manager. This is how baseball should be played at this time of year. Now we still have a lot of really big games ahead of us. ”

After sweeping the three-game series against the Athletics, the Mariners (89-70) were enjoying a day off Thursday. With hopes of finishing among the two teams drafted in the American, the Seattle team will remain at home to face the Los Angeles Angels from Friday to Sunday.

“We know the Seattle story: the team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2001,” said shortstop JP Crawford after Wednesday’s win. Everyone wants to be that guy who ends this streak and breaks the curse. You want to be recognized and become a legend in this city. ”

– The Mariners have won 10 of their last 11 games and are looking to mix the cards in the race also involving the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.