Overview: The Seattle Mariners released a humorous new commercial ahead of the season, Tacoma is looking for a home for cat Osta, and the Auburn basketball team prepares for an NIT game against Seattle U.
New commercial "Torpedo 2.0": Mariners continue their witty ad tradition
In the world of professional baseball, the Seattle Mariners are known not only for their on-field play but also for creative commercials that have become an integral part of their brand. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the club unveiled another addition — a spot titled "Torpedo 2.0," continuing the playful tradition that delights fans before each season.
The new video, posted on the team’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), humorously riffs on the topic of "torpedo bats" — a special bat shape that became incredibly popular in Major League Baseball (MLB) last season. In the clip, several Mariners players experiment with alternative designs, implying that "torpedoes" might be yesterday’s news. The video can be viewed in the post the team shared at this link. This commercial was the second released over the weekend: the day before, the Mariners released an ad centered on fatherhood, noting that several players on the roster recently became dads for the first time. According to a social media tease on Friday, fans can expect two more videos — on Monday and Tuesday. That serial approach turns the preseason ad campaign into a small event fans eagerly anticipate.
The Mariners’ tradition of clever commercials has a rich history. Over the years the team has produced memorable segments such as "Larry Bernandez," "The Big Dump Truck" (a nod to a player nickname), a gag with a new radar gun for Jamie Moyer, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s famous prank on Ichiro involving a glued-down chair. These spots do more than promote the team — they build an emotional connection with fans by showing players’ human, often comic sides, and become part of the region’s pop culture.
The new ad arrives at an important moment for the club. The Mariners enter the 2026 season as reigning American League West champions and coming off their first trip in 24 years to the AL Championship Series (the conference final). That achievement, detailed in the article, has reignited enthusiasm in Seattle. The season opens Thursday, March 26, with a home game against the Cleveland Guardians. The playful commercials therefore serve not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between serious on-field accomplishments and expectations for the new season, gently building excitement ahead of opening day.
As for "torpedo bats," this is a real trend in modern baseball. A "torpedo" refers to a bat with a thickened lower handle, which some players and analysts say can improve control and swing mechanics. "Torpedo 2.0" plays on this equipment trend with humor by offering "even more advanced" and absurd alternatives, a lighthearted jab at continual gear innovations. The key takeaway is the Mariners’ marketing team’s ability to quickly respond to league-wide topics and turn them into accessible, funny content. That reinforces the team’s image as modern, timely, and willing to poke fun at itself. In practice, such campaigns not only boost social media engagement but also help drive merchandise and ticket sales, creating a positive buzz around the club going into important games.
Pet of the Week: Osta from Tacoma
A new potential family favorite has appeared at the Tacoma-Pierce County animal shelter — a cat named Osta. She is the focus of a weekly segment designed to help homeless animals find homes and loving owners.
As part of the "Pet of the Week" project, FOX 13 Seattle highlights animals ready to move into new homes. This week’s spotlight is on Osta, who is under the care of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County. This format is a great example of how local media partner with shelters to increase animals’ chances of adoption. These short, heartfelt pieces create an emotional connection with the audience and can be the deciding factor for someone considering adopting from a shelter. As reported in the FOX 13 Seattle video segment, Osta is looking for a home. Organizations like the Humane Society not only provide temporary shelter but also handle vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and initial socialization, which eases animals’ transition into family life. Adopting a shelter pet is a responsible step that changes the life of the animal and its new owners, offering a second chance and a loyal companion.
Where to watch the NIT second-round game: Auburn vs. Seattle U
The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team is preparing for the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), where on Sunday, March 22, at home in Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, they will host the Seattle U Redhawks. For fans wondering where to watch the contest, here’s the information they need.
Auburn advanced to this round after a hard-fought win over South Alabama in the first game. Despite a slow start, the Tigers turned the game around in the second half, winning the half 48–31 and taking the contest 78–67. Auburn head coach Steven Pearl expressed hope that his team would show more energy from the opening tip in the upcoming game. He specifically noted that Seattle U will be a stern test, calling them one of the best defensive teams the Tigers have faced this season. "Incredibly active, they literally fly around the court and make your life difficult," Pearl said ahead of the matchup, as reported by Auburn Wire.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 on Sunday, March 22. The live telecast begins at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (CT). Commentators for the game will be Mike Morgan and Richard Hendrix. For those who prefer to watch online, the streaming service Fubo is available and offers a free trial for new users.
As for the lineup, Auburn will likely start Tahjad Pettiford (15.5 points per game), Kevin Overton (13.4), Keshon Murphy (10.7), Elijah Freeman (9.1), and Keshawn Hall (19.8). Hall is the team’s leading scorer. Odds and projections heavily favor the Tigers. ESPN gives Auburn a 93% chance to win, while analytics site KenPom offers an 88% probability and projects a final score of 78–65. Sportsbook DraftKings also lists Auburn as the favorite, setting the spread at 13.5 points.
The winner will advance to the NIT third round to face Nevada on Tuesday or Wednesday. For those unfamiliar, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is the secondary postseason tournament to the NCAA tournament for U.S. college basketball teams that did not make the NCAA field but had strong seasons. Winning the NIT is a respected accomplishment for any college program. For Auburn, this game is a step toward a possible title; for Seattle U, it’s an opportunity to compete nationally against a strong favorite.
