Mariners Game #118 Preview and Discussion, 8/8/26: SEA vs TBR

Aug 7, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Former Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez waves to fans after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMA

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What is the story about?

Well, this could be awkward.

The Mariners will take another step in the never-ending Hell that is the 2026 season. They lost last night, two solo homers to one. The lineup continues to look lifeless, and the pitching has been the worst in the majors for weeks now. This is a very bad baseball team at the moment. They’ve been loudly (and deservedly) booed of late.

That should help tonight’s honored guests feel right at home. The Mariners will pay tribute to the 50 greatest players in team history before

the game to celebrate 50 seasons, most of which felt just like this one. I don’t know what or who is in store, but it’s there if you want to remember the good ol’ days.

Then the active roster will take the field. George Kirby is on the mound for the first time since the trade deadline that he was not traded at. He’ll face Griffin Jax. The gameplan against him will be to layoff the slow stuff and force him into the zone. The Mariners will run out a lineup that would have looked pretty good on Opening Day.