Mariners Fans: It’s Time to Root for the Boston Red Sox

Mariners Nation: Just a week ago, we implored you to get behind the New York Yankees for the final stretch of the season, as their success would have been in line to help the Mariners in the playoff hunt. Now, the tables have classically turned, and it’s time to start rooting for the Red Sox.

Going into Friday, September 24th, the Seattle Mariners sit two games behind in the race for the second America League Wild Card spot; the Red Sox hold the first spot by two games, the Yankees hold the second spot, and the Toronto Blue Jays are behind by one game.

The Red Sox are set to take on the Yankees for a 3-game series in Boston this weekend, and a series win could considerably help the Mariners’ playoff hopes.

If the Red Sox are able to take two out of three games against their longtime rivals, and if the Mariners can sweep their upcoming series against the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle would be ultimately tied with the Yankees in the playoff standings. The Blue Jays are in the mix as well, but a Mariners sweep of the Angels this weekend would also likely help them gain ground on Toronto.

The Red Sox own a 10-6 record vs the Yankees this year, including two sweeps; however, their most recent series was a 3-game sweep by the Yankees over the Red Sox in New York.

The Yankees have their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the mound in Game 1 on Friday night, while the Red Sox will throw their top strikeout pitcher, Nathan Eovaldi. Cole, sporting a 3.03 ERA with 231 strikeouts, gives the Yankees their best chance to win in the whole series, so don’t be too discouraged if New York ends up taking Game 1.

It’s Games 2 and 3 in the Red Sox-Yankees series that could theoretically play the biggest part in helping the Mariners’ playoff hopes, but I recommend tuning into the whole series (don’t worry, the games will be at different times than the Mariners). You can catch Games 1 and 3 of the Red Sox-Yankees series on ESPN at 7pm ET on Friday and Sunday, but more importantly, of course, be sure to flip over to Mariners-Angels as soon as they take the field.

Nine games left, folks. Time to bring the noise!