Mariners vs. Orioles series an exciting match-up of two potential playoff teams

Last season, the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles played an epic three-game series at T-Mobile Park which had two classic finishes. Unfortunately, the Mariners would lose the series, by dropping those two close extra inning games with the O's. This series has continued to deliver exciting games between these two young and talented AL foes. With just the rubber game left, the Mariners sit at 25-21 with a 1.5 game lead at the top of the AL West, with the Orioles sitting back 2.0 games of the Yankees with a record of 28-15.

Both the Mariners and Orioles have built themselves into playoff contenders differently. The Mariners have built their team around good young starting pitching. With four young starters Bryce Miller, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryan Woo in their rotation. These young starting pitchers and veteran ace Luis Castillo have a combined average ERA of 2.79 this season. Making them one of the most dominating and feared pitching rotations in all of baseball.

The Orioles on the other hand, have one of the best young starting lineups in baseball. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, third baseman Jordan Westburg, and outfielder Colton Cowser have combined for 36 home runs, 109 RBIs, and an average OPS of .879 in 2024. Which has made the Orioles a tough lineup to face for any pitching staff.

Could the Mariners and Orioles meet in the playoffs?

The Orioles currently would be the first wild card team in the playoffs right now, and are just behind the Yankees for their division. The Mariners as of right now, are in first place in the AL West. These two teams could meet in the ALCS later this year if the Mariners finish as the third-best division winner and the Orioles as either the top wild card team or best division winner.

Should these two teams meet in the playoffs, the match-up would be a unique clash of young and talented baseball clubs. Each team will be playoff contenders throughout the 2024 season, with a possibility to meet in October. This series is gaining a little national attention with Saturday's game being featured on FS1. Which makes sense, given these are two good American League teams facing off early this season.

This series is made for prime-time given the talent on each of these teams. With a clash of young AL foes that will continue to play out for years to come. Also, this series will serve as another important measuring stick to see where the Mariners stand in the American League. Hopefully, the Mariners will win the rubber match and take this series from the Orioles.