The Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners are set to conclude the 2024 season this Sunday in Seattle. This game marks a significant moment for the A’s, as they will secure a fourth-place finish in the AL West, wrapping up their final season in Oakland. The Mariners, who once led the AL West during the summer, have experienced a decline and will finish in second place, missing out on a spot in the American League Playoffs. While Seattle has yet to announce a starting pitcher for the season finale, the A’s will send out right-hander Mitch Spence (8-9, 4.35). Fans can look forward to the first pitch at 3:10 PM EST.
Athletics Look to Future with Mitch Spence
The A’s are preparing for a new chapter as they get ready for 2025. They will play at least one season in Sacramento while their new stadium in Las Vegas is constructed. With a promising roster filled with young talent, the A’s are optimistic about the future. However, they enter this game having won just two of their last five outings against the Mariners.
*This article was written before the completion of Saturday night’s game.
The A’s will feature Mitch Spence as their starting pitcher in this final game of 2024. Spence, with a record of 8-9 and an ERA of 4.35, is looking to solidify his role in the rotation for the upcoming season. At just 26 years old, he has successfully transitioned from a relief role to a starting pitcher, making 23 starts out of 34 appearances this year. The A’s have secured victories in three of his last five starts, and he is motivated to end the season on a high note against the Mariners, who have struggled offensively.
Key Injuries: LF Esteury Ruiz, SS Max Muncy, and LF Miguel Andujar are unavailable.
Mariners Reflect on a Season of Missed Opportunities
As the Mariners wrap up their season, they find themselves reflecting on a campaign filled with both highlights and disappointments. For a significant stretch, they held the AL West lead, backed by one of the league’s strongest pitching rotations. However, the team’s offensive struggles ultimately hindered their playoff aspirations this September.
*This article was written before the completion of Saturday night’s game.
Right-hander Logan Gilbert will take the mound for the Mariners. He has had a solid season, registering an 8-12 record and a 3.33 ERA. Gilbert has recorded 213 strikeouts over 203 innings, although he has given up 26 home runs. In his last outing, he allowed four runs and three homers in a tough 4-3 loss to Houston. When he last faced the A’s on September 2, he struggled, yielding four runs and four hits in six innings, contributing to a 5-4 defeat.
Best Bets for Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners
The A’s are heading into the offseason with a sense of optimism. They are excited about starting fresh in a new city and have several young sluggers who are eager to build on their performances from this season. With a new stadium that is expected to be more favorable for hitters, the A’s are aiming for an offensive boost next year. Conversely, the Mariners are limping into the offseason, burdened by a disappointing finish to 2024. As they prepare for this final game, they are left contemplating the “what ifs” rather than focusing on the future. Given these dynamics, betting on Oakland to secure a win seems like a reasonable choice. With Spence on the mound, he is keen to prove himself and solidify his place in the rotation for the next season. The A’s have won three of his last five starts, and they are likely to field many of their regulars, as some players aim for personal milestones.
Place your bet on Oakland with the money line.
