Introduction to the Mariners’ Playoff Berth
The surging Seattle Mariners clinched a spot in the postseason on Tuesday night, but they hope the real celebrations are yet to come. Seattle earned the playoff berth with a dramatic 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies after getting some help from the New York Yankees, who beat the Chicago White Sox earlier Tuesday. Josh Naylor provided the big hit, a bases-clearing double with two outs in the eighth inning after Seattle had generated little offense against the major league-worst Rockies.
The Road to the Playoffs
“We’ve still got work to do, obviously, but you never know when you’re going to get this opportunity again so we’re going to celebrate tonight,” catcher Cal Raleigh said. The Mariners now have their eye on their first AL West title since 2001. Seattle moved four games ahead of the Houston Astros — who lost to the Athletics — and can wrap up the division as early as Wednesday.
The Team’s Mindset
“This is a special group. They’ve shown it all season long,” manager Dan Wilson said. “There is a lot of work to do, starting with the division. Hopefully we get that done sooner than later and we keep going. But there is a lot ahead of us, and I think this team is ready and primed for it.” The Mariners are also in position for the second seed in the American League, and can secure that spot as early as Thursday if they sweep the Rockies. That would give Seattle a first-round playoff bye.
History of the Mariners
This is the Mariners’ second playoff berth since 2001 and the sixth in franchise history. They ended a 21-year postseason drought in 2022, losing in the divisional round to the Astros. Seattle finished one game out of a wild-card spot in each of the past two seasons. “We know the hunger the fan base has, and that motivates us to be out here and do the best that we can every single night,” center fielder Julio Rodríguez said.
The Team’s Performance
“We know the history, but we’re trying to write something different for this city and this town now.” This year, the Mariners could be the hottest team entering the postseason. Led by slugging catcher Raleigh and his major league-leading 58 homers, Seattle has won 15 of 16 games and is coming off a sweep at Houston to take control of the division race. “It’s taken a few years, but it makes this moment very nice. That’s the goal, right? Win the World Series and remember those moments you’ll never forget. That’s what we’re thinking, and we’re not done yet,” Raleigh said.
Conclusion
The Mariners’ clinching of a playoff berth is a significant milestone for the team, and they are now focused on winning the AL West title and making a deep run in the postseason. With their strong performance and motivated team, they are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
FAQs
Q: What is the Mariners’ current standing in the AL West?
A: The Mariners are currently four games ahead of the Houston Astros in the AL West.
Q: How can the Mariners secure the second seed in the American League?
A: The Mariners can secure the second seed in the American League by sweeping the Rockies, which would give them a first-round playoff bye.
Q: What is the Mariners’ history in the playoffs?
A: The Mariners have made the playoffs six times in franchise history, including their current berth. They ended a 21-year postseason drought in 2022, losing in the divisional round to the Astros.
