Mariners and Athletics Clash in Thrilling AL West Super Series

Sacramento, CA — The Seattle Mariners face off against the Oakland Athletics in a highly anticipated three-game series starting Monday, May 5, 2025. Both teams are leading contenders in the American League West, and this matchup will play a crucial role in determining the division leader.

The Mariners enter the series with a record of 20-13, riding a strong wave of form with eight wins out of their last ten games. The Athletics, two games behind at 19-16, have also been in fine form, winning seven of their last ten as they aim to take sole possession of first place for the first time this season.

“This series is huge for both teams,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “We’ve got to play our game and build on our momentum.”

The first game features Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller, who has a strikeout rate of 24% this season, facing off against A’s ace Luis Severino. Severino has shown signs of returning to form, boasting a 3.30 ERA in 43 innings pitched this season.

In the subsequent games, the Mariners will send Emerson Hancock and Bryan Woo to the mound, while the Athletics counter with Jeffrey Springs and Gunnar Hoglund. Both teams will rely on their starting pitchers to set the tone early and suppress the potent offenses.

The Athletics have seen standout performances from rookies Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson, both key in their recent success. Soderstrom leads the team in wRC+ at 149 and is proving to be a breakout star. “I’m just focusing on playing my game and helping the team win,” Soderstrom said.

Despite their offensive firepower, the Athletics have struggled with a -23 run differential this season, indicating room for improvement in their pitching staff as they attempt to maintain competitiveness. Manager Mark Kotsay stressed the importance of both offense and defense, stating, “We need our pitchers to go deep into games.”

The AL West is tightly contested, with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers also nipping at the heels of both clubs in the standings. As the Mariners and Athletics gear up for this crucial series, all eyes will be on the battle for division supremacy.

This series not only impacts playoff positions but also sets the tone for the rest of the season. “It’s four games in May, but they feel like October games,” Kotsay added.