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Mariners Playoff Hopes: Three Things that Need to Happen

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 10: Paul Sewald #37 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after forcing the final out to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 at T-Mobile Park on July 10, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 10: Paul Sewald #37 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after forcing the final out to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 at T-Mobile Park on July 10, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Aug 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) forces out Texas Rangers third baseman Charlie Culberson (2) on a single hit by right fielder Adolis Garcia (not pictured) during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Winning when you are supposed to win

The Mariners’ schedule for the final month and a half of the season is very interesting. Here’s the total layout:

6 games vs. Texas (39-73)

3 games vs. Toronto (60-50, 2.5 games ahead of Seattle)

9 games vs. Houston (66-46)

9 games vs. Oakland (64-48, 5.5 games ahead of Seattle)

7 games vs. Kansas City (48-62)

6 games vs. Arizona (35-78)

3 games vs. Boston (65-49, 5.5 games ahead of Seattle)

6 games vs. Los Angeles Angels (56-56)

At first glance, this schedule has a major theme: on a nightly basis, the Mariners will either be faced with teams they can directly overcome in the playoff race or teams they should be able to beat handily. The one anomaly is the LA Angels, a team Seattle tends to be very evenly matched with.

If you are a team sitting 5.5 games back in the Wild Card race, and 7.5 games back in the division, this is an exciting schedule. I believe that if you can’t beat the teams you’re competing with for a playoff spot, and if you can’t beat the teams that you are far better than on paper, then you shouldn’t be in the playoffs. This is a chance for the Mariners to prove themselves.

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