In a pivotal contest within a highly anticipated series this season, the Seattle Mariners secured a significant triumph. On Sunday evening, the Mariners capitalized on a productive seven-run second inning to finalize their three-game sweep against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park (SEA 7, HOU 3), thereby seizing command of the AL West. Seattle now leads by three games with six remaining.
The current AL West standings are as follows:
- Mariners: 87-69
- Astros: 84-72 (3 GB)
- Rangers: 79-77 (already eliminated)
- Athletics: 73-83 (already eliminated)
- Angels: 70-86 (already eliminated)
Having won the season series 8-5, the Mariners possess the tiebreaker advantage. This three-game advantage effectively translates to a four-game lead. The Mariners’ magic number to secure the AL West title is three. Any blend of Mariners victories and Astros defeats totaling three throughout the remaining games will award the Mariners their first division title since their remarkable 116-win season in 2001.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford delivered a crucial blow on Sunday with a grand slam in the second inning against right-handed pitcher Jason Alexander. Catcher and MVP contender Cal Raleigh followed up later in the inning with a two-run home run. This marked his 58th of the season, further extending his single-season record for a catcher, a switch-hitter, and a Mariner.
The Mariners will now proceed to their home stadium to conclude the regular season against the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition to pursuing the AL West title, they will also strive to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The ongoing struggles of the Detroit Tigers have granted Seattle a two-game lead for a bye, coupled with the Mariners holding the tiebreaker. This essentially equates to a three-game advantage.
Regarding the Astros, there is no way to soften the reality. Being swept at their home venue was undoubtedly a setback. While the AL West race is not yet concluded, it appears increasingly unlikely, and the Astros have been displaced from a postseason position. Here are the current wild card standings:
- Yankees: 88-68 (+3 ½ GB)
- Red Sox: 85-70 (1 GB)
- Guardians: 84-72
—————————————- - Astros: 84-72
The Guardians prevailed in the season series 4-2 against the Astros, granting them the tiebreaker advantage and positioning them in the third wild card spot, while the Astros are currently on the outside looking in. The Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets share a similar predicament in the National League. Despite having identical records, the Reds emerged victorious in their season series, placing them in the third wild card position.
The Astros will embark on a road trip to face the A’s and Angels in the final week. Given that Cleveland possesses the tiebreaker, the Astros’ fate is no longer solely within their control. They require assistance to secure a postseason berth, particularly with Yordan Alvarez (ankle) and Josh Hader (shoulder) on the injured list and not expected to return during the regular season.
Houston maintained a four-game advantage in the AL West as recently as Sept. 3. Considering the tiebreaker, this translates to an eight-game shift in the standings within an 18-day period. The Astros occupied first place from June 3 to Sept. 10.
