The Latest Breaking News from George Kirby

The American League’s top two wild-card teams are set to face off in a series that could feature a whole lot of home runs.

Maybe it was the “show-and-go” philosophy of their Little League days that helped them remember that no matter the grind and pressure of the marathon season, baseball is still supposed to be fun.

ARLINGTON, Texas — After losing their last nine games against them and 10 of the 12 meetings this season, the Texas Rangers finally found a way to beat the Seattle Mariners, prevailing, 7-4.

SEATTLE — If only George Kirby’s usage didn’t have to be monitored and limited.

HOUSTON — With their two best hitters out of the lineup because of injury, a rookie starting pitcher operating under a shortened pitch limit and a bullpen overworked over a brutal four-game series at Minute Maid Park, the Mariners had a chance to end the season series with their American…

For starters, know this: It would be supremely painful. That is the only part of this whole exercise that isn't debatable.

It was the calm after the storm for the Mariners in their return home Monday night against Baltimore, following the tempest that was Sunday’s brawl-filled contest against the Angels in Anaheim, California.

OAKLAND, Calif. — When it happens for one game, you hope it is something more than a one-off surprise. If it happens for two consecutive games, you want to believe it’s the start of a trend, but baseball superstition won’t allow you to say it. And, well, if it happens…

SEATTLE — The storyline is simple, familiar and expected: