The stage is now set. Luis Castillo made sure of it. The Mariners’ righty spun six scoreless frames to lead a 2-0 series-clinching victory over the Royals on Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros will try to keep a three-game home win streak going when they face the Seattle Mariners. Houston has a 46-32 record at home and an 84-69 record overall. Astros hitters ...

Considering the season-long pursuit of the American League West title between Houston and Seattle, the Mariners' 2-0 road victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday felt appropriate.

Philadelphia Phillies (91-62, first in the NL East) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (77-76, third in the NL West) Phoenix; Friday, 9:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Taijuan Walker (5-8, 4.17 ERA, 1 ...