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Athletics Aim for Continued Improvement Against Red-Hot Mariners
The Oakland Athletics are eager to turn their recent competitive play into victories as they open a six-game homestand against the in-form Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Promising Signs Despite Tough Trip
The A’s showed resilience on their recent road trip, narrowly outscored 26-25 while going 2-4 against formidable opponents Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves. Despite the record, the team was competitive in every game, losing two one-run decisions to the Rays and two close games to the Braves. This indicates a trend of improvement that the Athletics hope to build on at home.
Mitch Spence: A Rising Star
Right-hander Mitch Spence has been a standout performer for the A’s. In his last start, he went 5 1/3 innings allowing just one hit and one walk in a 3-0 win over the Rays. Over his last three starts, Spence has allowed just three runs in 13 innings, showcasing his growing reliability. The 26-year-old rookie from Kirkland, Washington, also delivered a shutout inning against the Mariners last month, contributing to an 8-1 victory.
Mariners Riding High
The Mariners, meanwhile, arrive in Oakland on a hot streak, having won seven of their last eight games, including a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. This surge has propelled them to the top of the American League West. Their recent success has been underpinned by stellar pitching, with Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, and Luis Castillo delivering consecutive shutout performances—a first in franchise history.
George Kirby Takes the Mound
Seattle will start right-hander George Kirby in the series opener. Kirby, who boasts a 4-5 record with a 4.08 ERA, rebounded from two subpar outings with a strong six-inning performance against the Houston Astros, striking out eight. He has never lost to Oakland in six career starts, maintaining a 3-0 record with a 4.19 ERA against them. Kirby will look to extend the Mariners’ streak of 19 consecutive scoreless innings by their starting pitchers.
Managerial Insights
Mariners manager Scott Servais is confident in his team’s chances, particularly praising the starting pitchers. “Every day when I come to the ballpark, I feel like we’re gonna win,” Servais said. “Our starting pitching is gonna give us a chance. They’re gonna keep us in the game. Everyone in that room knows that we’re gonna have a chance to win every day.”
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, despite the recent losses, sees promise in his team’s performance. “We had a chance to win all six games. You really can’t ask for anything more than that,” Kotsay noted after Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Atlanta. “In Tampa, a few plays go our way and we’re probably 4-2 at the worst. Overall, I know it’s a 2-4 road trip, but we were competitive and had a chance to win every game, and that’s our goal right now.”
Miguel Andujar’s Impact
A’s fans will be watching newcomer Miguel Andujar closely. The outfielder has made an immediate impact, batting .400 with two homers and 10 RBIs on the recent trip. Andujar’s continued performance could be crucial for the Athletics as they face a tough Mariners pitching staff.
Outlook
The Athletics aim to leverage their recent competitiveness and home-field advantage to gain ground in the standings. Meanwhile, the Mariners look to maintain their winning momentum and strong pitching performances. With both teams fielding key players at critical moments, this series promises to be a tightly contested battle.
