The Seattle Mariners entered this past weekend with a chance to separate themselves in the AL West standings.
Taking on the Texas Rangers, it was a battle for first place.
But, the Mariners were not up for the task.
Not only did the Mariners get swept in the three-game series, but they could not even hold a lead.
According to Jon Morosi, the Mariners did not hold a lead after any of the 27 innings in this series.
The Mariners did not hold a lead after any of the 27 innings of their weekend series in Texas.
But they remain tied (in the loss column) for the final AL Wild Card spot, with a team (the Astros) against whom they own the tiebreaker.
7 games left, all in Seattle. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 25, 2023
To get dominated that badly with a division title on the line has to sting for the Mariners.
But, they do not have any time to feel sorry for themselves.
That is because the Mariners are still in striking distance of a playoff berth via the Wild Card.
To get that spot they will need to overtake the Houston Astros, whom the Mariners have a three-game series against starting on Monday.
Whoever wins this series will be in third place in the AL Wild Card standings, while the loser will likely fall out of the playoff picture.
All the Mariners could have hoped for was a chance to play in October.
Now they are one good series away from putting themselves in the driver’s seat.
Knocking the defending champion out of the playoff picture would be a huge moment for the Mariners.
They have the roster to get it done and it helps that they are playing at home.
All eyes should be on Seattle over the next few days to see which team comes out on top.
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