In a three-game series over the weekend, the Mariners set themselves up to win the AL West division title for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners’ season has been nothing short of magical, in part because of fan superstitions tied to the team’s “Etsy witch.” A winning streak began after a fan purchased a witch on Etsy to cast a spell to help the Mariners play better.
One of the highlights of the season is their star catcher Cal Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper.” Raleigh is in the race for AL MVP and he also provided excitement during the All-Star break by winning the Home Run Derby.
It has been a season of ups and downs. The Mariners made key acquisitions at the trade deadline, bringing in infielders Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The good vibes arrived quickly, with Naylor’s consistent hitting and Suárez adding more home run power. Naylor had a three-run double to take the lead and send the Mariners to the postseason in Tuesday night’s matchup against the Colorado Rockies.
The Mariners rank near the top of MLB in home runs as a team. Raleigh has been at the center of it, breaking multiple records for catchers and switch-hitters. He has 58 home runs this season, surpassing the Mariners’ single-season home run record, along with the league records for both catchers and switch-hitters.
But it is not just about hitting. Over the past couple of years, the Mariners’ bullpen and rotation have developed into one of the most dominant in MLB. Bryan Woo has had a career year, emerging as Seattle’s ace heading into the playoffs.
The Mariners clinched their ticket into the postseason on Tuesday, but the Mariners’ magic number to win the AL West is one.
To win the AL West outright, the Mariners need only one more victory. They hold the tiebreaker over the Astros and built a four-game lead after sweeping them last series with another game being added on Tuesday. With just one more win over either the Rockies or Los Angeles Dodgers the Mariners win the division for the first time since 2001.
This is the most exciting time for Seattle sports fans in decades, as hope for a deep playoff run grows. The Mariners last reached the postseason in 2022, when they were eliminated by the Astros in the ALDS.
Many fans believe this could finally be the year the Mariners make the World Series. They remain the only franchise in MLB that has never played in one. Between dominant pitching, powerful hitting, and a balanced roster, Seattle has a chance to win the pennant for the first time in franchise history. The Mariners currently have the second-best odds to win the World Series according to ESPN.
With favorable chances to win the division, Seattle can finally get the better of the Astros who seem to have their number every season.
The next game for the Mariners is the Rockies Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. at T-Mobile Park.
