Seattle Mariners Fight for Last Chance at Postseason
SEATTLE — In a game with high stakes, the Seattle Mariners delivered an impressive 8-0 victory against the Texas Rangers on Friday. The win keeps their hopes alive for a postseason spot, although their chances remain slim.
Pitching coach Pete Woodworth set the tone for the game, telling Bryan Woo, the Mariners’ starting pitcher, to focus on getting outs rather than pitch count. Woo joked after the game, “I probably didn’t need to take that literally,” as he only threw 82 pitches in 3 2/3 innings. Nonetheless, Woo’s performance resulted in zeroes on the scoreboard, which was crucial for the Mariners at this point in the season.
Facing a team that had recently swept them, the Mariners knew they had little room for error. The American League playoff races were coming down to the wire, and statistically, the Mariners were not favored to secure a postseason spot. However, manager Scott Servais expressed optimism, stating, “If somehow we win again tomorrow, we get to Saturday and Sunday, I like our pitching.” Despite Woo’s relative inexperience compared to All-Stars Luis Castillo and George Kirby, Servais believed in his ability to contribute to the team’s success.
Woo had faced the formidable Rangers lineup twice before this season, but had struggled in those outings. Friday’s game marked the biggest start of his career, and he rose to the occasion. Working his way out of trouble in several innings, Woo managed to keep the Rangers from scoring even as the bullpen warmed up. It was an impressive performance considering the circumstances.
The Mariners’ offense also played a crucial role in the victory, with Ty France, Josh Rojas, and J.P. Crawford hitting key home runs. The bullpen backed Woo with a shutout, marking their 17th shutout of the season.
While the Mariners celebrated the win, they did not receive any help from other teams in the wild-card race. The Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays, both ahead of Seattle in the standings, won their games, making it tougher for the Mariners to secure a postseason spot. In the AL West, the division title is within reach for all three teams, but the Mariners must rely on other factors to go their way.
Despite the unfavorable odds, the Mariners are determined to give their all in the final two games. They control not only their own record but also that of the Rangers. However, even a series sweep won’t guarantee them a postseason spot without the right circumstances elsewhere.
The team understands the importance of focusing on winning rather than worrying about the permutations and outcomes. At this stage of the season, every game is a must-win, and the Mariners are fully committed to fighting for their last chance at the postseason.
The next two games will reveal whether the Mariners’ efforts will pay off or if their season will come to an end. The tension and excitement of the final days of the regular season are emblematic of the unpredictable nature of baseball.