HOUSTON -- In dropping consecutive games to the Mariners at Daikin Park in the biggest series of the season, the Astros’ path to winning a fifth consecutive American League West title is becoming increasingly difficult. A division title might be the least of their problems.

The Astros are suddenly fighting for their playoff lives after losing, 6-4 , to the Mariners on Saturday night, which combined with the Guardians’ doubleheader sweep of the Twins has Houston on the outside of the AL playoff picture … for now. Cleveland and Houston are both 84-71 and tied for the third Wild Card , but the Guardians own the tiebreaker.

The Mariners (86-69) clinched the season series over the Astros and have a two-game lead in the division with seven games remaining. If the teams finish with the sa

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