Mariners Clinch Playoffs; AL West Title Possible Wednesday

The Seattle Mariners clinched a postseason berth Tuesday when trade‑deadline pickup Josh Naylor ripped a bases‑clearing double in the eighth inning to complete a 4–3 comeback. The hit capped a 15–1 run that included a sweep of the Astros and, combined with an Astros loss, ensured Seattle's spot in October. Seattle can clinch its first AL West title since 2001 as soon as Wednesday with either a Mariners victory or an Astros defeat, and the magic number for a first‑round bye sits at two. Naylor went 2‑for‑4 in the clincher and has been a key late‑game performer (.292/.351/.461, 20 HR, 91 RBI), while Cal Raleigh’s 58 homers, a resurgent rotation and a reliable bullpen have powered the surge. Projections now view the club as a genuine October contender.