The Athletics were able to steal an extra-inning thriller in the series opener, but they might not be as lucky in Game 2.
In the last ten games, the Athletics are 7-3, a mark that is tied for the best in the American League. With that said, they need to play like it to round out their series against the Mariners , not only to fully spoil Seattle's playoff hopes but also to build a ton of momentum ahead of next season.
Aug 14, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Gage Jump (61) throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In the last series, Gage Jump and Bryan Woo had a very intense standoff, with Woo taking the win. Jump pitched 4.0 innings while allowing six hits and two runs. Woo, on the other hand, dominated, pitching 8.0 innings while allowing a single hit. The winner of this upcoming matchup will likely determine how this series ends.
Even though Jump did not have a terrible outing in the loss, he definitely has a lot to work on. If Jump has any hope of outperforming Woo, he needs to be efficient. In his last outing, he threw 82 pitches in 4.0 innings, a mark that Jump surely does not want to replicate. At a minimum, we need to see Jump pitch until the sixth inning.
Aug 11, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Brady Basso (66) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Athletics would need to use five different relievers throughout the series-opening win. A reasonable mark, given the game did go into extras. Nevertheless, the Athletics are out a couple of arms in Game 2, unless Kotsay decides to reuse a few more arms.
Scott Blewett has normally been the Athletics' go-to long guy of late, but after giving up two runs in one inning, we might not see him until Game 3. Another option is Brady Basso ; however, if he joins the rotation for JT Ginn, this likely won't happen.
Sep 9, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) jogs towards first base after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Athletics, after falling behind early, would answer back almost instantly. Henry Bolte would single, then steal second, setting up a very easy Jeff McNeil RBI opportunity, which he would cash in on with a double. This formula has worked amazingly for the Athletics and needs to continue.
In what could be the series decider, the Athletics need a massive game. With an opportunity to get even against Bryan Woo on the table, the Athletics need to figure out how to ruin his start early. If the Athletics score a wave of runs early, it will force the Mariners to go to the bullpen early in a game they felt comfortable entering.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/athletics/onsi as How Athletics Can End Series vs. Mariners in Game 2 .
