I don’t want to brag about my lifestyle, but I haven’t stayed up past 10:30 p.m. since about that day:

So why am I not only determined to stay up for tonight’s game, but also to catch up on it even though it doesn’t start until 8:10 p.m. in my time zone?

Logan Gilbert, my dream boy, will (almost certainly) make the final start of his great 2024 season tonight. During the Mariners’ struggles this year, Gilbert was a shining example of excellence. I have a personal rule not to watch the Mariners play the Astros without a really good reason – a rule I highly recommend. The prospect of watching the Astros break the division with the Mariners on the field only reinforces my reluctance to watch. But Logan Gilbert’s final start is a very good reason. I wouldn’t miss this game for the world.

Lineups

Seattle will use its left-handed hitters to face Framber Valdez. The right-handed hitters are referred to as the “weak side” of the platoon because they get less playing time. But for the Mariners, the right side of the plate has been anything but the weak side. The Mariners’ right-handed hitters have a wRC+ of 107 this year, good for the eighth-best in baseball. And that includes Ty France and the Mitches. (I’ll reserve TyFrance&TheMitches as my username.)

The Astros will once again be without Yordan Álvarez, and even if the Astros win the division tonight, it will at least not be through a walk-off from Yordan.

Game info

First pitch: 5:10 Pacific
TV: ROOT Sports (Goldy and Angie)
Radio: 710 KIRO (Sims and the Rizzsler)

This day in the history of the Mariners

• 2001: Jamie Moyer wins his 10th consecutive victory and the 150th game of his career
• 2008: The Mariners lose to Anaheim and become the first team to lose 100 games despite a $100 million payroll.