Mariners look to repeat history as Padres come to town for two-game series

I just can't seem to quit the Mariners. They'll kick you in the shin one day, and then bring you an ice cream the next. Maybe it's not the greatest metaphor, but that's sure how it feels lately when watching this team. They'll lose a bunch of games to teams they shouldn't while falling back in the playoff race, and then they'll go on a nice little run and make you feel hope again.

That's where we sit as the Mariners prep for a two-game set against the Padres. They're back home in Seattle after their longest road trip of the season (10 games), and for the second time this season will play the Padres in a short series. Last time they did, it worked out perfectly for them, as they were able to win the two games in San Diego by scores of 8-3 and 2-0.

The Mariners need a repeat to keep their season going in the right direction

Minnesota has lost three games in a row, trying to let the Mariners back into the Wild Card picture as they only hold a 3.5 game lead over Seattle. The Mariners are still 4.5 games back in the AL West, but an all important three game set against Houston still lingers late on the schedule in the team's penultimate series of the season.

There are a lot of games left against Texas as well, but as we hope the Mariners are doing, it's important not to look too far ahead. There is a masterful battle set to take place on Tuesday as Yu Darvish will go up against George Kirby. The Padres are 31-14 over their last 45, playing stronger baseball than arguably any other team in baseball over the second half of the season. The Mariners have to hope for another short Darvish outing, as he threw on September 4th for the first time since May, struggling in his outing as he gave up three runs and six baserunners in just 2.2 innings.

In game 2, Bryan Woo will be going up against Michael King. King has one of the best K/9 ratios in baseball, striking out 185 hitters through 156.2 innings, good for a mark of 10.6 K/9. He's also walking 3.3/9, so Seattle has a chance to work deep into counts and try and get him into trouble early and often. Meanwhile, Bryan Woo is set to pass 100 innings on the season and sits with a remarkable 0.8 BB/9 rate, handing out only nine free passes in 99 innings.

The Mariners are going to have their hands full with the Padres. Hopefully, we see a repeat of last series against the Padres and the Mariners are able to take both games, and split at worst. It all starts Tuesday.