The Seattle Mariners are, officially, in the hunt for a playoff spot.
They sold some assets near the deadline, yet here they are, having won eight of their last 10 games, with a solid 61-52 record and 6.5 games behind the Texas Rangers for the AL West lead.
Perhaps more importantly, Seattle is now in the thick of the Wild Card race: they are just two games removed from the last spot, held by the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Tuesday, they blanked the San Diego Padres, 2-0, thanks to a huge performance by right-hander Logan Gilbert.
He was in complete control and resembled an old franchise ace who made history in Seattle: Felix Hernandez.
“Logan Gilbert just put up the 2nd performance in @Mariners history of 10+ strikeouts, 0 walks, and 1 or fewer hits allowed. The other was Félix Hernández’ perfect game,” ESPN Stats & Info tweeted.
Logan Gilbert just put up the 2nd performance in @Mariners history of 10+ strikeouts, 0 walks, and 1 or fewer hits allowed.
The other was Félix Hernández' perfect game. pic.twitter.com/LkJpQwYAh3
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 9, 2023
When all was said and done, Gilbert completed seven innings of work and conceded just one hit and no runs.
He also didn’t walk anybody and struck out a whopping 12 Padres.
The win took his record to 10-5 and his ERA all the way down to 3.66.
The number will probably keep coming down, as he has the peripherals that had suggested a breakout despite his relatively high ERA.
For the Mariners, getting Gilbert to pitch to the top of his capabilities is huge.
It gives the rotation another incredible arm to navigate the stretch run, together with Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and others.
It’s enough to keep Seattle in the fight.
NEXT: Graphic Illustrates Thursday's Seesaw Battle Between Angels And Mariners
