Mariners vs Athletics Preview: So much more than just baseball

Normally, I go through and talk about the series and what we can expect. It’s a pretty standard article. Here’s who is pitching, here’s the hitters to watch, and some final thoughts. After all, most people want to know some of the basics on what to expect for each series that the Mariners are in.

This time, it’s a little different. The Mariners magic number is 1. A single game. That’s all it is going to take. It might not even be them. The Orioles play at 4 PM, and the Mariners play at 6:40 PM. There is a good chance that come to the first or second inning, the Mariners could clinch a playoff berth because the Orioles lost.

The Mariners are so close to the playoffs, and they aren’t going to let Oakland stand in their way

I’m still split on how I want it to happen. Seeing Baltimore win, and then setting the Mariners win tonight to clinch it on their own would be incredible. At the same time, Having it be the top of the second inning and seeing that the Orioles lost, getting to celebrate mid-game… just wow. The stadium would go insane.

Both of those are on the line tonight. Of course, the Orioles could win and the Mariners could lose, and we could go through all of this again tomorrow. However, it just feels different. Like today is going to be the day.

Still, let’s talk about the series a bit. Here’s what to look forward to against the Athletics.

Mariners vs Athletics: Pitching Matchups

Friday, September 30th @ 6:40 PM – Logan Gilbert vs Ken Waldichuk

Saturday, October 1st @ 1:10 PM – Luis Castillo vs JP Sears

Sunday, October 2nd @ 1:10 PM – Robbie Ray vs James Kaprielian

Look. The Mariners should win at least two games in the series. Sure, the Athletics kind of took it to them last time, but that was a much different series. The Mariners are at home, and almost all the pressure is off. Kaprielian is the only big-name guy, and they should be able to get the bats going early and often.

Mariners vs Athletics: Hitters to Watch

Speaking of bats, watch for Dylan Moore, JP Crawford, Mitch Haniger, and Brian O’Keefe. Yeah, I said O’Keefe. He’s been called up with Casali away for the birth of his child and will get some ABs this weekend (hopefully). I’ve wanted to see him be given a shot for quite a while now and would love to see that he gets not just his first MLB action, but his first MLB hit.

Moore has 20 SB, Crawford mentioned that a big weight has been lifted, and if Haniger truly is hitting near his ceiling, then the offense could go from awful to intriguing. A healthy M’s, which is what we have been waiting for, doesn’t seem too far away.

Mariners vs Athletics: Final Thoughts

All I have to say is this. We all have different levels of fandom. Some are new Mariners fans, and this is their first experience at a true playoff run in which success will happen. Others can remember all of the playoffs, whether as kids or adults. For some, they can remember a part of it. That’s the case in the “Next” link below. It’s one of the greatest things that not only has come out on this site but that I have read in a long, long time. Please, if you read anything… read that.

The stage is set, and the Mariners are standing in the doorway. The door is open, and all they have to do is step through. They haven’t been invited in for 20+ years. They’ve finally been invited in, and all they have to do is win and step through. They’re on the cusp… and I cannot wait to celebrate. Go Mariners!