Mariners take the lead in American League West

Being outscored by your opponents for the season, starting pitching’s lack of quality starts, and too much reliance on the bullpen were the reasons I was prepared to list why the Mariners' quick start can’t last. Then the series with the Houston Astros happened and it has changed the way I look at this team. I’m still not prepared to say they can win their division but after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers last night 4-3 the Mariners have gone 6-2 in their last eight games and are now in first place in the American League West.

Before this past week, the pitching staff was giving up almost six...