Luis Castillo Shines on the Mound: Mariners Tie with Astros
Kansas City – Dominican pitcher Luis Castillo delivered a masterful performance this Thursday, crucial for keeping the Seattle Mariners’ hopes alive. The team defeated the Royals 2-0 at Kauffman Stadium, managing to tie with the Houston Astros at the top of the American League West Division, both with a record of 84-69. Castillo, 32 years old, dominated the mound for six innings, blanking Kansas City and limiting them to only three hits, without conceding walks. He demonstrated absolute control of his pitches. This was his third consecutive high-quality start, lowering his ERA to 2.86 during September, solidifying him as a fundamental pillar in this decisive stage of the season.Seattle’s offense made itself present early in the game, thanks to a two-run double by the Dominican also-Dominican Jorge Polanco in the second inning. Later, a double by J.P. Crawford in the eighth inning extended the lead, after a play that the Mariners successfully challenged. The series of three games that begins this Friday at Daikin Park against Houston, promises to be a high-tension confrontation, defining not only who will take the divisional lead, but also the advantage in case of a possible tie towards the playoffs. Seattle has not won the division since its historic 116-win campaign in 2001.“He stepped up, took the ball, and did what we needed. He understands those moments and delivered in a big way. He’s in a great moment.”
Leader Dan Wilson
The stage is set for a postseason-flavored series, where the Mariners and Astros will face off with the American League West title on the line.“We’ve been having fun since the start of the season. That’s the main thing in this game, going out there and giving it your all and enjoying it. And of course, we want to keep winning.”
Jorge Polanco
