Ten days ago, the Royals were just one game back of the Mariners for the final Wild Card spot. Fans circled this series on their calendar, thinking that if the Royals could just stay within striking distance, they could surge ahead this week.

But since then, the teams have gone in opposite directions. The Royals dropped six of eight while the Mariners are riding a nine-game win streak to take the division lead.

Seattle Mariners (82-68) vs. Kansas City Royals (75-75) at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Mariners: 4.70 runs scored/game (10th in MLB), 4.36 runs allowed/game (18th)

Royals: 3.85 runs scored/game (28th), 3.93 runs allowed/game (4th)

Cal Raleigh has cooled off in the second half, hitting .218/.328/.480 since the All-Star break. He has the highest flyball rate in baseball, bu

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