KANSAS CITY — The stage is now set. Luis Castillo made sure of it.
The Mariners’ righty spun six scoreless frames to lead a 2-0 series-clinching victory over the Royals on Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.
Seattle (84-69) is now tied atop the American League West with idle Houston (84-69) as the two clubs open a crucial three-game set beginning on Friday at Daikin Park that will not only determine the playoff tiebreaker, but could decide the division title as well — something the Mariners haven’t won since their historic 116-win season in 2001.
After a sudden end to their 10-game winning streak on Wednesday, the Mariners jumped out to an early lead on Thursday thanks to Jorge Polanco’s RBI double in the second inning. Polanco is now batting .370 in September with 11 doubles and 10 RBIs.
Seattle couldn’t solve Kansas City starter Stephen Kolek after that as the right-hander tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball, but Castillo’s gem made it hold. The 32-year-old veteran entered with a 5.09 road ERA this season, but outside of two baserunners in the second inning, Castillo ran into little trouble.
Castillo set down the Royals in order in four frames and despite needing 40 pitches to get through the first two innings, he ended his third straight quality start at only 84 pitches. Castillo allowed just three hits and didn’t walk a batter.
Seattle added an important insurance run in the eighth after successfully challenging Royals second baseman Michael Massey was standing partially on the outfield grass during Dominic Canzone’s groundout. It appeared Massey’s heel was on the edge of the dirt and the grass, and the call was overturned — resulting in a fielding error for Massey. J.P. Crawford took advantage two batters later with an RBI double down the right-field line to double the Mariners’ lead.
Eduard Bazardo, Gabe Speier and Andrés Muñoz closed out Seattle’s 10th shutout of the season to set up the Mariners’ biggest series of the season — one the club has been waiting for.
“This is why we do what we do,” manager Dan Wilson said pregame. “To be in this position and have exciting baseball this time of year, that’s why [we’re] here. Our guys are ready and they will be ready.”
