2021 Series Preview: Seattle Mariners @ Houston Astros

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Quick Notes

While there is still about a month and a half left on the schedule, this series will be about as big as one can expect in mid-August. A series sweep on either end has the chance to put the Mariners right in the thick of the division race or push them right out of it. Even a series win would go a long way in raising the fortunes of this young team.

The Mariners have continued to play their brand of baseball in 2021, winning tight games and slapping clutch hits that have propelled them into playoff contention. Their offense isn’t particularly strong as a unit, but Seattle has found success in using it as a scalpel rather than a hammer. August has been…