On Friday night in Seattle, Bryan Woo delivered a dominant pitching performance that helped the Mariners snap their season-high five-game losing streak. Facing the hot-hitting Oakland Athletics, Woo held the opposition to just one run, one hit, and two walks over seven innings, striking out seven batters while using only 88 pitches. His efforts provided the Mariners with the boost they needed after a tough road trip weighed down by inconsistent starting pitching.
Setting Records and Maintaining Consistency
This outing marked Woo’s 25th consecutive start with at least six innings pitched, establishing a new club record for the Mariners. Additionally, he tied the legendary Cy Young for fifth place all-time in games started with at least six innings and no more than two walks. With 159 innings pitched this season, Woo ranks fourth across Major League Baseball, underscoring his reliability and durability.
Manager Praises Woo’s Outstanding Effort
Mariners manager Dan Wilson applauded Woo’s performance, highlighting the pitcher’s ability to limit hard contact and keep the Athletics’ offense quiet after an early home run.
“Bryan Woo again was just fantastic,”
Wilson remarked.
“The first inning homer was really all he gave up. He just did what he does. A lot of soft contact, kept them really quiet for the rest of the ball game while he was in there. It was just another outstanding effort. And then going into that seventh inning, that was impressive again.”
Wilson continued,
“You can’t say enough about what he has done and how consistent he has been.”
Backing from the Offense Secures the Win
The Mariners’ offense provided adequate support by hitting three solo home runs to secure a 3-2 victory over Oakland. Woo’s only major mistake occurred early in the game when he allowed a first-inning solo home run to Brent Rooker, who capitalized on a fastball left over the middle of the plate. Beyond that, Woo stifled the Athletics’ lineup effectively, allowing no additional hits and retiring 16 of the next 18 batters he faced.
Woo Reflects on the Early Run and Staying Focused
Addressing the early setback, Woo acknowledged the need for more discipline when giving up runs.
“I got to do a better job of coming out and not just like being OK with giving up runs early,”
he said.
“I know it’s going to happen, but it’s just a discipline thing I think. But you got to just be able to turn the page and just keep making pitches, and luckily I was able to do that.”
Defensive Skill Complements Pitching Prowess
Woo also contributed defensively during the game, showing off agile glovework consistent with his background as a former high school shortstop. He made a key play in the third inning, securing an out at first base on a bunt attempt. In the fourth inning, Woo fielded a ground ball cleanly near the third base line and quickly converted a soft liner into an out to end the inning’s first two batters, helping to maintain momentum.
Rebounding From Previous Challenges Against Oakland
This strong performance served as a rebound after two recent struggles against the Athletics, where Woo had allowed five runs in each meeting and surrendered four home runs in one game on July 30.
“My last two games against them have not gone how I wanted. So definitely wanted to get off to a good start tonight. A little bit of a revenge game,”
Woo said.
“You give up games like that, runs like that, the last two times facing them, you go out with a little bit more of a chip on your shoulder to make sure that you do your job tonight. So, I’m glad I was able to bounce back.”
Implications for the Mariners Moving Forward
Woo’s dominant outing not only halted the Mariners’ losing skid but also offered hope for stabilizing a rotation that struggled earlier in the season. His consistency and endurance place Seattle in a stronger position as they return home for a critical homestand, providing both pitching depth and leadership. With key players nearing rehab and the team eager to climb the standings, Woo’s performance could inspire the Mariners to sustain momentum and contend in the competitive American League West division.