9/10/17: Open Game Thread

HELLO AND WELCOME TO FOOTBALL SUN...wait. Today the NFL returns to full action, which means ticket prices at Safeco will continue to hover around the single-digit mark on secondary marketplaces. There’s a moment at an extra-innings game, at like the twelfth-inning mark, when you look around and realize: these are my people. We’re now at that point in the season. (For realzzz though: the Mariners should encourage more people into Safeco with some kind of beer special—September Sadness Suds.) The M’s are at least guaranteed a series win, but a sweep as payback for Deadgar Weekend would feel incredibly satisfying.

Erasmo Ramirez will attempt to continue to weave the blue fairy-magic he’s been spinning since rejoining the Mariners. Parker Bridwell made the Mariners look real bad last time he faced them, although the M’s lit him up earlier this season. If the M’s can get to Bridwell early, they could get to the Angels’ bullpen, which is both less remarkable and more taxed than the Mariners’. Last night was an exciting glimpse of an offense firing on all cylinders, and it’s tantalizing to think what this team could be if they could shake off the offensive doldrums that have plagued them since the lengthy roadtrip. At this point, I just want to see them playing fun, competent baseball to close out the season. Please be fun, Mariners.