In a thrilling matchup, the Seattle Mariners face off against the Oakland A’s in the final game of a four-game series in northern California. This matchup features two AL West rivals, with Oakland having taken the first two contests in dramatic walk-off fashion. The A’s triumphed 5-4 in the series opener on Monday and followed it up with a close 3-2 win on Tuesday night. As the Mariners aim to regain their footing, they hope to avoid another setback on this getaway day. This report was prepared before the conclusion of the third game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Wednesday evening.
Mariners Seeking a Spark
The Mariners are on a downward trajectory, having lost four consecutive games, including two heart-wrenching walk-offs against the A’s. With a record of 69-70, they sit second in the AL West, trailing the Astros by 6.5 games and the Royals by 5.5 games for the final wild card spot in the American League playoff race. In Tuesday’s game, Seattle managed just five hits, with Cal Raleigh contributing two RBIs. The team struggled with runners in scoring position, going one for five and leaving three runners stranded. Luis Castillo pitched effectively for seven innings, allowing only two runs on four hits, but did not earn a decision. Trent Thornton took the loss after giving up a run in relief.
Bryan Woo, making his 18th start of the season, will take the mound for the Mariners. Woo holds a solid record of 6-2 and boasts a 2.30 ERA with a 0.809 WHIP, striking out 71 batters in 94 innings. He did not factor into the decision in his last outing against the Angels, where he surrendered four runs over 6.1 innings. Over his last three starts, Woo has a 3.20 ERA and has been particularly dominant against the A’s, holding a 3-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in his previous encounters. He has achieved remarkable success at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, maintaining a 0.00 ERA in two starts at this venue.
A’s Aiming for Series Victory
The A’s are riding a wave of momentum, having secured their second consecutive victory and winning six of their last nine games. Entering Wednesday with a record of 61-78, they stand fourth in the AL West, significantly behind the Astros and Royals. Tuesday night’s game saw Oakland produce six hits, with Seth Brown shining brightly by collecting three hits and driving in two runs. Both Brown and Lawrence Butler contributed home runs, and Brown delivered the winning hit with an RBI single in the ninth inning. J.T. Ginn pitched well, but did not earn a decision, while Hogan Harris picked up the win with three scoreless innings.
Joey Estes will start for the A’s, marking his 21st appearance and 20th start of the season. With a record of 6-6 and a 4.29 ERA, Estes has struck out 83 batters over 107 innings. He also did not factor into the decision in his last start against the Rangers, where he allowed two runs in six innings. In his past three starts, Estes has shown promise with a 2.33 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. Against the Mariners, he has a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA over three previous starts. At the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, he has enjoyed success with a 2.86 ERA in ten career starts.
Best Bets for Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics
Seattle has struggled since the All-Star break, recording a disappointing 17-24 record and only 22 wins since the beginning of July. Their inconsistency at the plate has overshadowed the efforts of a strong starting rotation. Conversely, Oakland has found some rhythm, boasting a 24-17 record in the second half and a remarkable 31-22 since July. While the A’s continue to play with grit, Woo’s prowess on the mound may help the Mariners secure a much-needed victory in the series finale.
