Mariners look to continue hot streak against the Padres

The Mariners are the hottest they have been all season. Fresh off of burying the Angels in a 4 game sweep, The Mariners are now just 2.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the 3rd Wild Card spot. They are also on a 5 game win streak, and are now 8 games over .500. That is the highest the Mariners have been all season. Seattle has now won 5 series in a row, and are 8-1-1 since June 30th. Next up, a 2 game series against the struggling San Diego Padres.

Game 1: Nick Martinez (5-4. 3.68 ERA) Vs. Logan Gilbert (9-5, 3.86 ERA)
Game 2: Yu Darvish (8-7, 4.41 ERA) Vs. TBA

The Padres come in with a record of 55-58. They come in losers of two in a row but are 6-4 over their last 10 games. They also carry a +63 run differential, the 4th best in the National League. San Diego had expectations to make the World Series, and maybe they still can. This team cannot be overlooked. They still have Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado. This lineup can hit, and hopefully, the Mariners can match.

Earlier this year, the Mariners and Padres tied a series played in San Diego. Logan GIlbert was masterful, going 7 strong innings. He only gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. The Mariners won that game 4-1.

Game 2's starter is technically TBA, beasue the move has not been made official yet. But the starter will most likely be Emerson Hancock. Hancock is the Mariners top pitching prospect, and 4th ranked overall for the Mariners, according to MLB Pipeline. You can read more about Emerson Hancock here.

You never know how a pitcher making his debut can go, so winning game 1 is essential. With the day off yesterday, and a day off on Thursday, you would have to think these two games are "all hands on deck" games. Every pitcher should be available, as every bat on the bench. I expect Scott to use just about everybody in this series. It will be a fun series to watch for sure! As always, Go Mariners!