Seattle at Oakland

The Mariners were supposed to be a much better team than where they stand right now. They have however looked much better recently. They are now 9-4 in their last 13 games - their best stretch of the season to date. Perhaps more importantly is that they have now also won five of six on the road. Jarrod Washburn has also done an about-face. Over his last six starts he has pitched to a 1.60 ERA, and is one of the hottest pitchers in the league. Oakland has been just 3-6 over their last nine including two straight defeats at home. The A's have managed to win just four of Dana Eveland's last 10 starts despite him pitching well. This tells us that a hot pitcher like Washburn may be enough to squeeze out the win here.