Mariners opening game against Giants shows the importance of small ball under Wilson

With their 2024 playoff campaign already on the rocks, each subsequent loss pours salt into an already open wound. After seven innings against the Giants, it seemed like it would be yet another disappointing night at T-Mobile Park. Starter Luis Castillo had given up three homers and five earned runs while the Mariners offense had strung together just two hits, one of which was a solo homer by Luke Raley. With a four-run deficit and six outs left to go, the outlook was dismal at best.

But something changed in the eighth inning. With right-handed submarine pitcher Tyler Rogers on the mound, Seattle would trot out the middle of the order.

Jorge Polanco got things started with a single and advanced to third base following a single by Mitch Haniger. With runners on the corners, Justin Turner came through with an RBI single of his own to put the score at 5-2. Josh Rojas roped a ball to right field, allowing Haniger to score and Turner to advance to third, cutting the deficit to just two runs. Leo Rivas laced a ball to right field, scoring Turner, and Luke Raley would tie the game with yet another hit, scoring Rojas and bringing the streak of singles to six.

After this bloodbath, Bob Melvin was forced to replace Tyler Rogers with Ryan Walker who promptly retired the next three Mariners in order.

Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in the top of the ninth inning but Walker would also face the minimum, bringing the game into extras. Collin Snider was the next Mariner to take the mound and got some help from Julio Rodríguez to get his first out. A smart decision to intentionally walk LaMonte Wade Jr. was followed by back-to-back strikeouts of Heliot Ramos and Michael Conforto, giving the Mariners another chance to walk things off.

Dylan Moore replaced Justin Turner as the extra innings runner and promptly stole third base on a close tag play. Finally, on a 2-2 pitch, Leo Rivas beat a slider by Erik Miller to place the ball in center field, allowing Moore to score the game-winning run.

When the dust cleared, a few things were clear. First, it showed that new manager Dan Wilson may have what it takes to be a big league skipper, making intelligent decisions. Second, it showed that contrary to popular belief, the lineup is capable of stepping up in the event of a rough start from their usually ironclad rotation. Third, it displayed just how effective chaos can be. Putting the ball in play, looking for gaps, and aggressive baserunning can do wonders if you lack the "oomph" of a true power hitter like an Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani.

With today's win and the Astros' loss to the Orioles, Seattle is 4.5 games back of the division lead and have a 15.2% playoff probability. It's still far from a likely outcome but the Mariners are known to go on romantic stretches of peak baseball. If they continue to emulate what they did in this game, then don't count them out of October just yet.