The Mariners rolled over the Athletics on Saturday night to get to five games back in the American League West.
The Seattle Mariners trounced the Athletics 19-1 on Saturday night in West Sacramento, Calif.
It was a cathartic performance for a generally-stifled Mariners offense, and it was certainly a cathartic performance for an often-frustrated Mariners fan base. The Mariners had a season-high 23 hits in all, and they scored in seven of nine innings.
For a team that has lost 22-0 (Milwaukee Brewers) and 19-2 (Chicago Cubs) this season, it was nice to be on the other side of a blowout. Seattle is now 70-79 on the season and they'll go for a series victory against the Athletics on Sunday afternoon (1:10 p.m. PT).
The M's are now five games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West. Their playoff odds have actually improved to just to over seven percent, according to Fangraphs. There are 13 games left to play.
As you know, I've suggested the Mariners wouldn't make the playoffs for two months, but it's something I'd love to be wrong about. If they can get to within three games of the Astros by the time the teams meet for two games (Sept. 22-23), then you'd have to feel more optimistic. The Mariners are also three games back of the Texas Rangers though, so they'd need to see them stub their toe as well.
In Saturday's win, rookie Michael Arroyo was one of several standout performers. He went 3-for-4 with his first major league home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. He also hit a double.
As noted by Mariners PR, the Mariners are the first team in baseball history to have three players age 21 or younger hit a home run within their first three career games. In addition to Arroyo, Laz Montes and Colt Emerson also accomplished this feat.
The Mariners hit five home runs in all in this game: Dominic Canzone hit No. 22, Randy Arozarena hit No. 23, Cole Young hit No. 17, Arroyo hit No. 1 and JP Crawford hit No. 11.
On the mound, Bryan Woo earned the win, continuing his second-half turnaround on the road. He gave up just one unearned run over six innings. He's now 12-9 and his ERA is back under four at 3.88.
Up next
The M's and A's will finish out the series on Sunday as Bryce Miller pitches against Jacob Lopez. Miller is 4-9 with a 4.22 ERA. Lopez will be the third straight left-hander that the Mariners see in this series.
