Seattle Mariners fans devastated by playoff loss to Houston Astros after Yordan Alvarez walk-off home run: "Biggest gut punch I've felt in my life", "I have no idea how you bounce back from this"

The Seattle Mariners lost the first game of their American League Divisional Series in heartbreaking fashion against the Houston Astros. After being in the lead for the majority of the game, Yordan Alvarez stepped to the plate and ended the game. A two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning was apparently not enough of a lead for the Mariners.

It was a terrible end to what was an excellent game for the Seattle Mariners. They managed to light up star pitcher Justin Verlander, putting up six runs. Rookie phenom Julio Rodriguez also had a great game, hitting a triple and a double. In the end, it wasn't enough against the juggernaut Houston Astros offense.

Fox Sports posted the final play of the game on Twitter, and it is truly electric.

As one might expect, this ending had a significant effect on the Seattle Mariners fanbase. They had been riding high since ending their 21-year playoff drought. That positive feeling continued as they swept the Toronto Blue Jays in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Now, it has all come crashing down.

The MLB playoffs provide some of the most electric in sports, and finishes like this are a big part of why. Capping off a tremendous comeback with a single swing that gets every fan on their feet is special. As tough as this is for opposition fans to deal with, it is equally challenging for the team.

Lost in the aftermath of the walk-off home run is the fact that this is only game one. The Houston Astros still need to win two games to win the series and the Seattle Mariners will not make it easy for them. How both teams are able to respond to this monumental moment will likely decide the series winner.

Yordan Alvarez may have called game, but this series still has a long way to go.

The Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros both need to refocus and be ready for game two

A lot can happen in a five-game series, and this might not even end up as the definitive game. The Mariners will need to find a way to get past this blown lead and keep playing at a high level. They proved that they can take the lead against the vaunted Astros, and now they need to learn how to hold it.

The Houston Astros will be looking to build off this momentum and carry it into game two. If they are able to bring a high level of effort for the rest of the series, they can secure a trip to the championship round.

About the author

Nathan is a journalist covering Major League Baseball at Sportskeeda. Born in Vancouver B.C., Nathan has always been a huge sports fan. Nathan grew up a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays through virtue of being a Canadian. Attending several Seattle Mariners games over the years made him a fan of the club. His favorite sports moments are Jose Bautista's clutch playoff home run and the Mariners ending their playoff drought in 2022.

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