Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodríguez has had a disappointing season by his own lofty standards. His year got a little worse on Wednesday night, when he made an unusual and costly out during the 10th inning of a 2-1 defeat against the New York Yankees.

A flying bat helped the Yankees clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Park. Anthony Rizzo, who had two hits and two RBIs, drove in Jasson Dominguez with a double to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead, which they did not relinquish.

J-Rod was on third in the 10th inning when Randy Arozarena struck out and his bat went flying out of his hands toward Rodriguez. The outfielder ran to get out of the way of the bat … but the ball was still very much live. A throw to third and Rodriguez was out. Inning over, and the Yankees would go on to win.

Julio Rodriguez apologized to Dan Wilson for his mistake, the Mariners manager said Thursday. “I really respect him for that, and we had a good conversation.”

The New York Yankees secured a playoff berth on Wednesday night thanks to a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings, and they have Mariners

Julio Rodriguez homers twice and the Mariners keep their slim playoff hopes alive with an 8-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.