THE PAST WEEK: The Mariners did what they needed to against the worst teams in the American League East, winning four of six against Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

SCOUTING REPORT: One cannot overemphasize how impressive the Mariners have been. They are two wins shy of clinching a playoff spot and a 100-win season. Cementing its place among the game's best teams, Seattle ranks first in the AL in 10 batting and eight pitching categories. Rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki leads the league in batting average (.351) and hits (209), and John Olerud, Mark McLemore, Mike Cameron, Edgar Martinez and Bret Boone are consistent contributors to a steady offense.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Seattle has won five of six this season and 10 of the past 11 against the Rays. Tampa Bay, which is 13-28 all-time against the Mariners, has not won a series against them in 13 tries.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Seattle manager Lou Piniella is a Tampa native, and left-handed reliever Norm Charlton is a former Rays player. The Mariners purchased the contract of catcher Pat Borders from the Rays last week.

WHO'S HOT: Left-handed starter Jamie Moyer is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, 11 strikeouts and two walks in his past two starts.

WHO'S NOT: Utilityman Mark McLemore is hitting .135 with one double, a home run and an RBI in his past nine games.

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