The Seattle Mariners head into a three-game weekend series against the Athletics with their postseason hopes hanging by a thread.
Seattle enters the matchup at 69-78, while Oakland sits at 59-88. The Mariners are coming off a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over the Texas Rangers, giving them a much-needed boost as they attempt to stay alive in the American League playoff race.
Seattle Running Out of Time
With the regular season entering its final weeks, the Mariners have little room for mistakes. Their postseason probability is only 6.2%, according to the Lookout Landing preview, meaning Seattle will need to string together victories while also getting help from other teams competing for the Wild Card.
The Mariners have already experienced frustration against Oakland this month. The Athletics took three of four games in their previous series in Seattle before the Mariners avoided a sweep with a 2-0 victory behind an outstanding performance from Bryan Woo.
That recent history adds another layer of importance to the weekend matchup.
Pitching Could Give Seattle an Edge
The Mariners’ strongest advantage entering the series is their starting rotation.
George Kirby is scheduled to open the series for Seattle against Oakland left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Saturday’s matchup is expected to feature Bryan Woo against rookie Gage Jump, while Bryce Miller is slated to face Jacob Lopez in Sunday’s finale.
Seattle will need those starters to provide length and keep the Athletics’ offense under control. Oakland’s pitching staff has shown flashes of effectiveness, however, making it important for the Mariners to take advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise.
Athletics Looking to Play Spoiler
The Athletics enter the series well outside the playoff picture, but they have plenty of incentive to play spoiler against Seattle.
Oakland has been hit hard by injuries, including season-ending losses involving key players such as Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers. Those absences have weakened an already inconsistent lineup.
Still, the A’s recently demonstrated that they can cause problems for the Mariners. Their strong showing in the previous series gives Oakland confidence heading into the three-game set.
Playoff Pressure Mounts
Seattle’s 4-3 win over Texas helped keep its postseason hopes alive, with Julio RodrÃguez providing the decisive blow with a three-run homer in the seventh inning. The Mariners now face another opportunity to gain ground in the crowded Wild Card race.
Every game carries added significance at this point in the season. For Seattle, a successful weekend could provide the momentum needed for one final push. For Oakland, the series represents another chance to disrupt a division rival’s playoff ambitions.
The Mariners and Athletics will meet for three games in Sacramento, with Seattle hoping its pitching advantage and renewed offensive momentum can translate into a much-needed series win.
Source: lookoutlanding
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