TERRY MOSHER
TOP OF THE TOWN – It became obvious the Mariners were running out of magic as August turned to September. The team set a franchise record with 21 victories in August to storm into the race for the American League West title and the postseason. But then it fell apart once September arrived. The M’s are 8-15 this month going into tonight’s game at home against the Astros. It they win their last six games (two against the Astros and four against the Rangers to close out the regular season they have a chance to make the postseason. The odds are against them. Their young pitchers who have done so well for most of the season have tired out and are getting battered and ace Luis Castillo suffered the same fate Monday (Sept. 25) in the first game with the Astros. It’s disappointing to fans, but it kind of mirrors the season what is happening now. The season has been full of ups and downs – go on a winning streak followed by a losing streak. Hitters did their thing in August and now have gone silent. Even if they make the postseason, which is very doubtful, there is a good chance they won’t last long. Their pitchers are dragging and hitters are not hitting. I don’t have answers except Ty France’s hitting has soured. He needs to go, as do utility players Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty and Mike Ford. The bullpen needs revamping. The only two that are trustworthy are Matt Brash and Andres Munoz. It should be an exciting off-season to see what magic Jerry Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations, and general manager Justin Hollander pull out of a hat.