Seattle Mariners 2021 Wild Card Chase Breakdown, Pt. 2

Oakland A’s (82-69, Last 10: 5-5; Playoff Probability: 1.4%)

My Uncle is from Oakland, and I recall getting a text from him one year ago last week: “See that green and gold in your rear view?”  As much as Oakland has historically been a thorn in our Mariners’ side, I am relishing in the fact that we have caused them so much grief this year.  We’re 10-4 against the A’s this year, which sets this team up to miss the playoffs.  Let’s dive into how badly they’ll miss the cut by (spoiler: it won’t be close):

1.      2G vs SEA: The Mariners have already won 2 of this 4 game series, and look poised to finish them off with Flexen coming off the mound tonight.  I have my doubts about Kikuchi in the series closer tomorrow, but that’s tomorrow’s problem.
Prediction: 1 win.

2.      3G vs. HOU: Houston looks red-hot right now, winning 8 of their last 10.  They look poised to make another deep playoff run…yay.  As Bernie Mac once said in Ocean’s Thirteen: “’Nough said.”
Prediction: 1 win (might get swept)

3.      3G @ SEA: Seattle throws Flexen, Kikuchi, and Gilbert in this series.  That’s huge.  I love us winning the first and third games, with potentially a second game W.  I’d put 1 win here for Oakland, but don’t be surprised if we pull out a sweep.
Prediction: 1 win (might get swept)

4.      3G @ HOU: Oakland finishes their season in Houston.  Ouch.  I’d say they win 2 games, if only because Oakland will be eliminated at this point and Houston will be resting players for the playoffs.
Prediction: 1 win

Given these predictions, Oakland would end the season with 86 wins and would be eliminated from the postseason by…the Seattle Mariners.  How poetic is that.  Goodnight, Oakland.  Hopefully you figure out your stadium woes.