It's not over yet, but we are gonna need some help
The Mariners lost a heartbreaker to the Houston Astros, shaving down their playoff odds significantly. Seattle needs to take care of business, but they also need some help.
Well, that one stung.
The Mariners lost a heartbreaker that involved more bad luck, a benches-clearing incident, and an all too familiar feeling. Seattle struggled to cash in on big opportunities and didn’t pitch well enough to win.
They just aren’t playing playoff-caliber baseball right now in any facet of the game. The defense hasn’t been good enough, the offense can’t cash in on opportunities, and the pitching staff can’t stop putting them in a huge hold every night.
Despite all of this, the Seattle Mariners have a chance at the postseason. Here are the scenarios.
-If Seattle wins 4 games against Texas, Houston would need to lose one game against Arizona
-If Seattle wins 3 games against Texas, Houston would need to lose 2 games against Arizona
-If Seattle wins 1 game against Texas, Houston would need to lose 3 games to Arizona
-If Seattle gets swept they are eliminated
Obviously, none of those scenarios feel likely, and they shouldn’t be at this point. Seattle has played so poorly that they have put themselves in a really tough situation, one they have found themselves in during prior seasons. Looking for other teams to help you out is usually not a good strategy, and can leave you disappointed.
There are a few reasons for optimism for the Mariners, as hard as that is to believe.
Seattle will have their three best arms throwing in this series, starting with Logan Gilbert tomorrow. I very much believe we are set up to get good performances from all three starters, as they all seem due to get back on track.
Arizona has the pitching advantage in both of the first two games of the series, with Zac Gallen going Friday and Merrill Kelly going Saturday. The Diamondbacks will also need to win to preserve their playoff life. It is absolutely possible they could take 2/3 from Houston.
No matter what happens in the end, you have to win three out of four to give yourself a chance. Winning two essentially gets you eliminated, so Seattle needs their big three to show up.
Only one of the three Seattle starters appeared the last time these two teams squared off, giving them favorable pitching matchups throughout. I would also be in favor of the team making a roster move for someone like Prelander Berroa or Casey Sadler to replace Dominic Leone on the roster, giving them another pitcher with high-leverage capability.
The club needs their superstar centerfielder to play much better, as well as supporting cast members such as Teoscar Hernández. Texas has a starting rotation that is absolutely beatable, and a bullpen they should thrash. The at-bats have been good enough, we just need to see more timely hits.
Seattle needs to play better in every phase, but elite starting pitching can cure a lot. The fact that they have their horses lined up gives them a chance no matter what.
It ain’t over till it’s over, might as well just believe. GOMS.