Mariners Aim for Tenth Straight Win Against Struggling Royals
As the Seattle Mariners prepare to face the Kansas City Royals in a three-game series starting Tuesday night, the stakes have shifted dramatically for both teams. Just over a week ago, this matchup held significant implications for the American League wild-card race. However, the Mariners are now riding a wave of momentum, seeking their tenth consecutive victory, while the Royals find themselves in a troubling slump.
Mariners’ Surge in the Standings
On September 6, the Royals were just one game behind the Mariners for the final wild-card spot in the American League. Since then, the Mariners have transformed their fortunes, outscoring their opponents-Atlanta, St. Louis, and the Los Angeles Angels-by a staggering 66-23 during their nine-game winning streak. This impressive run has propelled Seattle to a one-game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West, as the Astros prepared to face the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
A key player in this resurgence has been catcher Cal Raleigh, who recently hit his 54th home run of the season against the Angels. This achievement ties him with baseball legend Mickey Mantle for the most home runs in a single season by a switch-hitter. Raleigh remains focused on the task at hand, stating, “The job is not over. We still have a job to do out there and win every night… Put ourselves in a good position,” as reported by ROOT Sports.
Royals’ Struggles Continue
In stark contrast, the Royals have been unable to find their footing, suffering a 2-6 stretch that has seen them outscored 42-27. This downturn has left them six games behind the Astros for the final wild-card spot, with the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians now surpassing them in the standings. The Royals’ struggles have been particularly disheartening for fans, as the team had shown promise earlier in the season.
Catcher Salvador Perez has been a bright spot for Kansas City, recently hitting his 300th career home run during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the weekend, he managed to hit three home runs in just two games. “You never know what’s going to happen in this game,” Perez told FanDuel Sports Network. “Keep playing hard until the last inning.”
Key Matchups and Player Performances
As the Mariners look to extend their winning streak, they will face Royals pitcher Michael Wacha, who is set to return from the seven-day concussion list. Wacha’s last start was on September 5, where he allowed one run, two walks, and four hits while striking out five in a narrow 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Historically, Wacha has had mixed results against the Mariners; during a previous matchup on June 30, he allowed four runs in the fifth inning, leading to a 6-2 loss.
Raleigh has had some success against the Royals, hitting four of his six career home runs at Kansas City. However, he has struggled against Wacha, going 0-for-12 with a walk and three strikeouts. In contrast, teammate J.P. Crawford has been on a hot streak, batting .348 over the last 14 games and boasting a 7-for-17 record with a home run against Wacha.
On the Mariners’ side, Logan Gilbert will take the mound, bringing a 2.38 ERA over his last four starts. In his most recent outing against the Cardinals, Gilbert allowed just one run and struck out eight batters in 4 2/3 innings. Earlier this season, he faced the Royals on July 2, yielding only one run and three hits, although he struggled with control, walking three batters.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Mariners’ current winning streak is reminiscent of their strong performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when they were perennial playoff contenders. The franchise has not made the postseason since 2001, making this year’s push particularly significant for fans and players alike. The team’s recent success has reignited hope among supporters, who are eager to see the Mariners return to their former glory.
Conversely, the Royals, who won the World Series in 2015, have faced challenges in recent seasons. Their current struggles highlight the volatility of Major League Baseball, where fortunes can change rapidly. The Royals will need to regroup quickly if they hope to remain competitive in the wild-card race.
Conclusion
As the Mariners and Royals prepare to clash, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Seattle is riding high on a winning streak, while Kansas City grapples with a disappointing stretch. With key players like Cal Raleigh and Salvador Perez in the spotlight, this series promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Mariners aim to solidify their playoff position, while the Royals seek to turn their fortunes around. As the season approaches its climax, every game becomes crucial, making this series a must-watch for baseball fans.
