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Luis Castillo shines on the mound and Mariners tie for the top of the West heading to a decisive series against Astros
Kansas City. – Dominican Luis Castillo delivered a pitching gem this Thursday to keep the Seattle Mariners’ aspirations alive, who defeated the Royals 2-0 at Kauffman Stadium and tied the Houston Astros at the top of the American League West Division, both with a record of 84-69.
Castillo, 32, worked six scoreless innings, limiting Kansas City to just three hits with no walks and with total control of his pitches. It was his third consecutive quality start and left his ERA at 2.86 during September, solidifying himself as a key piece heading into the final stretch of the season.
“He stepped up, took the ball, and did what we needed,” highlighted leader Dan Wilson. “He understands those moments and delivered in a big way. He’s in a great moment.”
Seattle’s only offensive damage came early, thanks to a run-scoring double by Dominican Jorge Polanco in the second inning. Later, a double by J.P. Crawford in the eighth inning extended the lead after a controversial play that the Mariners successfully challenged.
The three-game series that begins this Friday at Daikin Park against Houston will define not only who will take the divisional lead, but also the advantage in case of a possible tie towards the playoffs. Seattle has not won the division since its historic 116-win campaign in 2001.
“From the beginning of the season we have been having fun,” said Polanco. “That’s the main thing in this game, to go out and give it your all and enjoy it. And of course, we want to keep winning.”
The table is set for a series with a postseason flavor: Mariners and Astros will face off with the American League West title on the line.
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