Mariners Adopt Hilarious Mantra After Angels Star's Heroic Catches

Seattle players vow to avoid hitting balls to outfielder Jo Adell after he robs multiple home runs in a single game.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:33pm

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The Seattle Mariners were left stunned after Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell robbed them of three home runs in a 1-0 loss, including a game-tying shot in the 9th inning. Adell's spectacular defensive plays were so impressive that the Mariners wrote a simple but hilarious directive on their whiteboard for the next game: 'Don't hit the ball to Joseph Adell.'

Why it matters

Adell's heroics highlighted the Angels' potential to be a surprise contender in the AL this season, while also showing the Mariners' respect for an opposing player's standout defensive abilities. The Mariners' whiteboard message underscores how a single player can completely change the strategy and mindset of the opposing team.

The details

In the Mariners' 1-0 loss to the Angels on Saturday, Adell made three incredible catches, robbing J.P. Crawford, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor of home runs. His final catch, on Crawford's drive in the 9th inning, was particularly spectacular, as Adell leaped at the wall, flipped over it, and held up his glove to show he had made the catch.

  • The Mariners lost 1-0 to the Angels on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Mariners returned to face the Angels again on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Jo Adell

A talented outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who made a series of spectacular defensive plays to rob the Mariners of multiple home runs in a single game.

J.P. Crawford

A Mariners player who had a potential game-tying home run robbed by Adell in the 9th inning.

Cal Raleigh

A Mariners player who also had a solo home run robbed by Adell.

Josh Naylor

A Mariners player who had another solo home run robbed by Adell.

Jordan Romano

The Angels reliever who took advantage of Adell's defensive heroics to retire the final two Mariners batters and secure the victory.

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What’s next

The Mariners and Angels will conclude their three-game series on Sunday, April 6, 2026, with the Mariners looking to avoid hitting the ball to Adell again after his defensive heroics the previous day.

The takeaway

Adell's standout defensive performance has earned him the full respect of the Mariners, who are now actively planning to avoid challenging the Angels outfielder in the hopes of avoiding another series of highlight-reel catches. This underscores how a single player can dramatically shift the strategy and mindset of the opposing team.