Mariners Tie Astros for AL West Lead With 2-0 Win Over Royals

Luis Castillo led the Seattle Mariners to a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals by pitching six scoreless innings with only three hits allowed, striking out three, and delivering his third straight quality start. The Mariners' runs came from RBI doubles by Jorge Polanco and J.P. Crawford, with a critical managerial challenge by Dan Wilson that awarded Polanco first base and set up the go-ahead run. Castillo's effective use of breaking pitches helped him induce weak contact, and his strong pitching contributed to the Mariners tying for first place in the AL West alongside the Houston Astros. Closer Andres Muñoz secured his 36th save by striking out two batters in the ninth. The Mariners will now face the Astros in a pivotal three-game series in Houston as they push toward clinching the division with only nine games remaining in the regular season. Castillo’s recent sharp form, including a 2.86 ERA in September, will be crucial as the Mariners aim to sustain their postseason aspirations.