Mariners Game #149: Mariners (69-79) @ Athletics (60-88)

Sep 11, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) tags out Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) on a steal attempt during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Mariner

What is the story about?

The Mariners are currently six games out of the AL West, six games out of the last Wild Card spot, and nine games from elimination. While it’s technically possible the Mariners squeeze into the playoffs if they go on a crazy run over the next 13 games, given how this team has played all year, I’m finding that increasingly unlikely. For now, let’s focus on what’s in front of them; perhaps the Mariners can get out of Sacramento with a series victory and some pride rather than dropping another winnable

series at a crucial time in the season. Bryan Woo takes the hill for his 28th start of the season. Last time out, Woo went eight innings, giving up just one hit and two walks, with nine strikeouts. Woo’s dominance at home has become a calling card of sorts for him as he has continued to struggle on the road at times. However, in his last three road starts, Woo has logged two quality starts, kept opponents under two runs, and logged five-plus strikeouts in each start. Since the start of August, Woo’s road ERA ranks 6th best in MLB, while his road WHIP, .86, ranks 11th.

Additionally, since 2023, Woo has a 1.95 ERA against the Athletics. Originally hailing from Oakland, CA, Woo may have taken it personally when the team chose to force a move away. All this is to say the Mariners are really set up for a victory here tonight; a win here would be a great start for the push to the playoffs, especially with a couple of road series against the Rockies and the Angels before their final home stands of the season against the Astros and the Angels again. If things break their way, and with a pretty weak schedule remaining, the Mariners could slip into the playoffs at the last minute.