In a thrilling moment for Seattle sports, Geno Suárez hit a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This victory positions the Mariners just one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2001.
The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric as fans erupted in celebration following Suárez’s dramatic hit. The excitement was so intense that it registered on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network‘s seismograph, which is located behind home plate. As the crowd’s energy surged, the seismograph recorded spikes that indicated activity comparable to a small earthquake, estimated at around a 2.5 magnitude, or possibly higher if one considers the fervor of the fans.
Seismologists React to the Celebration
Mouse Reusch, a seismologist with the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, described her experience observing the event. “Being there on site, and being able to look at the seismogram as it’s happening, I’m getting goosebumps right now,” Reusch recounted. Her excitement mirrored that of the fans, as she noted how the seismometer registered dramatic spikes during the eruption of joy from the crowd. “It was just a really amazing feeling,” she added.
Reusch and her team documented their reactions, captured in a video showing them cheering and jumping in delight. “It’s almost a little bit pinch me, did that just happen?” she reflected. The data collected during the game is now being analyzed to compare the seismic impact of Suárez’s grand slam to the legendary Beast Quake, which previously marked a significant moment in Seattle sports history.
A Historic Moment for the Mariners
The Mariners’ win not only showcased Suárez’s clutch performance but also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. Earlier in the game, Cal Raleigh had tied the score with a home run, setting the stage for Suárez’s pivotal grand slam. This late-game surge propelled Seattle to a commanding lead, securing their position in the ALCS.
“It’s awesome to be in this park tonight, with these fans,” said John Goodwin, a fan present at the game. “I’ve never heard T-Mobile Park so loud. It’s so cool, man.” The intensity of the crowd, combined with the significance of the victory, underscored the deep connection between the team and its supporters.
Reusch explained that the collective movements of tens of thousands of fans create a phenomenon that the seismometer can detect as coherent noise. “When you really do have tens of thousands of people jumping up and down, and running, it adds up,” she noted. The seismic activity recorded during the game was three times higher than that of a previous notable moment in Mariners history, further solidifying the legacy of Suárez’s grand slam.
As the Mariners prepare for Game 6, the excitement surrounding the team continues to build. Fans are hopeful that this season will culminate in a long-awaited trip to the World Series, further enriching the narrative of Seattle sports.
