SEATTLE — Mallex Smith still has things to learn about being an everyday center fielder in the major leagues. But a sure sign that the lessons are starting to sink in came Friday night.
The 26-year-old speedster hit a sharp single up the middle with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to score Kyle Seager and give the Seattle Mariners a 3-2 win over the reeling Detroit Tigers.
It was the first walk-off hit of Smith’s career, and more evidence that he’s maturing.
“I’ve had chances many times before,” Smith said, noting they ended in failure when he tried to swing for the fences.