Mariners punch their ticket to the Playoffs for the first time in 21 years with a 2-1 win over the Athletics
By Bel Garcia
Seattle, WA - Seattle was back at T-Mobile Park tonight for their series opener against the Oakland Athletics to continue their huge homestand. After a chaotic game and series against the Texas Rangers, the Mariners magic number to clinch a playoff berth was cut down to one. The Athletics came into town wanting to be “Salmonella”; spoil any chance for any team that they could down the stretch of the season. The Mariners had more than one way to clinch a playoff berth tonight, a win against Oakland or a Baltimore Orioles loss against the Yankees. The Orioles beat the Yankees 2-1. If the Mariners wanted to punch their ticket to the playoffs tonight it was in their control. Oh, how sweet it feels that the Mariners took fate into their own hands tonight with a 2-1 win.
Julio Rodriguez, donning his locker room playoff tee, waves to the fans (Photo by Birdzeyeviewvisuals)
“I know what I am going to do, I’m going to smile…then we get back to winning tonight’s game.” – Scott Servais on a possible Orioles loss.
On the mound tonight for the Mariners was Logan Gilbert, who held his position well into the game not being relieved until the 8th inning. Gilbert gave up one scoring run in the second inning, but followed it up with several scoreless innings. As he was coming off the field, manager Scott Servais embraced him for some time, congratulating him on a spectacular performance in a game that would go down in history for the Mariners. In eight innings pitched Gilbert allowed three hits, one run, one earned run, two walks, and four strikeouts.
Matt Brash was excellent in relief of Gilbert (Photo by Birdzeyeviewvisuals)
Seattle’s vibe in the beginning of the game was relaxed, in a good way. Scott Servais didn’t have them partake in batting practice before game three against the Rangers because he wanted to provide a relaxed approach to the game. They did partake today, and while there may be pressure to control their own destiny, the energy was not intense. They started the game on the right foot with a Dylan Moore scoring run off a Ty France double. Recently the Mariners offense has struggled, this was a good sign that the bats were awake to start the game. It was all tied up until the very last possible second. Oakland and Seattle traded scoring runs in the first two innings and both teams went dry on offense from there on out, the next person to score a run would ultimately win the game. Cal Raleigh who was not in the lineup tonight and did not take his position as catcher was thrown in to pinch hit at the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and a full count, all eyes were on Raleigh, who gave his team a walk-off home run to clinch a playoff spot. Cal Raleigh has made a presence in showing up for big moments to propel the team, but this was easily his most important home run of the season. The ballpark felt connected as everyone cheered on the entire Mariners team in their celebration dance.
Cal Raleigh watches as his walkoff homer flies off into the night (Photo by Birdzeyeviewvisuals)
Seattle will continue to finish off their season with the next few games of their homestand, but the city and its fans can now rejoice and let out a sigh of relief knowing that the Mariners have secured a playoff run. Game two of the series against the Oakland Athletics will
be played on Saturday, a rough game for the Mariners would be understandable after a night of celebration.