BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Mariners key man developed quite knack for excelling bases-loaded situations.
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford has become exceptionally proficient in bases-loaded situations.
In fact, no MLB player has been more effective in such scenarios over the past two seasons.
Video: Mariners SS J.P. Crawford hits grand slam vs. Angels
Since the beginning of 2023, Crawford has gone 13-for-20 with three grand slams, a triple, three doubles, and 34 RBIs with the bases loaded, according to Mariners PR. His staggering 1.350 slugging percentage and 1.941 OPS in these situations are the highest among all MLB players with at least 15 plate appearances during this period.
Crawford’s latest bases-loaded feat occurred on Saturday, when he launched a grand slam in the fourth inning, contributing to a 9-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
“He’s a very competitive guy,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said before Sunday’s series finale. “He thrives in those situations. Once you start succeeding in those moments, you look forward to them. You can see it in his eyes as he approaches the plate; he’s eager for the opportunity.”
J.P. Crawford adds on to the lead with a grand slam!
(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/YkoZP6lsuq
— MLB (@MLB) June 2, 2024
With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the fourth on Saturday, Crawford found himself in a 1-2 count against Angels starter Reid Detmers. He fouled off a slider and took another slider for a ball before getting a 2-2 curveball in the upper part of the zone. Crawford capitalized on the mistake, hitting a 359-foot grand slam over the right-field fence, giving Seattle a 5-0 lead.
“I think what he does in those moments is he gets good pitches to hit,” Servais said. “He’s not always going to come through, but he’s getting good pitches to hit in those spots. He’s not missing them.”
Earlier in the week, Crawford had another crucial bases-loaded moment. In the bottom of the 10th on Wednesday night, he hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to right field, securing a 2-1 win for the Mariners over the Houston Astros.
“If there’s a chance to deliver in any moment, you capitalize on it, no matter what the score is or anything,” Crawford said after Saturday’s game. “Whenever those moments come, you’ve got to be ready for them.”
J.P. Crawford wins it for the @Mariners in extras! #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/gxwMQPHcZX
— MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2024
After missing nearly four weeks due to injuries, the Mariners are thrilled to have their captain, J.P. Crawford, back in the lineup. Crawford was initially sidelined with a strained oblique and then faced a brief delay in his return after being hit in the hand by a pitch during a rehab stint.
Since rejoining Seattle’s lineup on May 20, Crawford has been impressive, hitting .255/.333/.489 with two home runs, five doubles, and an .823 OPS in 13 games. He also showcased his defensive prowess on Thursday with a spectacular play at shortstop, making a diving stop on a grounder up the middle and flipping the ball out of his glove to second baseman Dylan Moore, who completed the out at first.
“I thought the guys who filled in (for J.P.) did an awesome job,” Servais said after Saturday’s game. “I can’t give enough credit to (Moore) and what (Josh) Rojas was able to do. But there’s a reason J.P.’s our guy. It’s nice to have him out there in the middle of the field and certainly at the top of the lineup. He’s been there before, he’s going to be there all year for us and hopefully for a long time to come.
“What he brings every day, you can’t really put it in words. It’s the competitive fire. The vibe of the clubhouse kind of goes through J.P. every day. And he’s earned that.”