White Sox factoring heavily into Mariners’ postseason chances

Conor Gillaspie's bases-clearing triple helped the M's gain some precious ground on Kansas City. (AP)

Royals flamethrower Kelvin Herrera was launching his typical jet-fuelled rockets at the White Sox last night, tickling 101 miles per hour on the radar gun. Going into this game he had only yielded nine earned runs in 63 1/3 innings this season (1.28 ERA in 64 games). He had not allowed an earned run since June 24, a span of 30 straight games.

The pesky White Sox had different plans for Herrera in the seventh inning, though. Chicago led off the frame with two straight singles. After a fielder’s choice moved the tying runs into scoring position, Royals manager Ned Yost summoned deadly reliever Wade Davis from the bullpen.

Herrera has been great this season, but Davis has been untouchable. He entered play with a ridiculous 0.69 ERA in 64 games. He had fanned an eye-popping 96 hitters in 65 innings. He had not allowed a homer or triple all season. Only two doubles had been hit off of him this year. He had also not given up a run since June 25. Davis walked the dangerous Jose Abreu to face Conor Gillaspie with the bases loaded.

The Mariners’ season changed dramatically on the seventh pitch of the at-bat. Gillaspie cracked a 97-mph heater into the right-center field gap to clear the bases and amazingly slay a nearly invincible bullpen duo. The White Sox held on for the win and handed the Mariners a precious half game in the process.

Moments after that smash into the gap, Seattle’s Kendrys Morales drew a leadoff walk in the fifth inning against the Angles. Two innings and 10 runs later, the Mariners were coasting on their way to securing another half game.

Last night will not be the last time Mariners fans will be cheering hard for the White Sox. Chicago sends the American League ERA leader Chris Sale to the hill tonight to try and take the series from Kansas City and possibly help push the Mariners into a tie for the second wild-card with the Royals. Sale has been dynamite against the Royals this year in two starts (2-0 0.60 ERA). He’s allowed just one run in 15 innings while fanning 14.

The White Sox grapple with the Tigers in a three-game series next Monday. They will then finish the season with four more games against the Royals. On his current pace, Sale would pitch the final game of the regular season versus Kansas City.

Mariners fans may want to invest in a White Sox cap. They will need it for the next two weeks.