The Seattle Mariners have wrapped up a spectacular homestand, going 6-1 in their last seven games and sweeping the Texas Rangers. This impressive performance has extended their lead in the AL West to a commanding 8.5 games, making it the largest division lead in all of Major League Baseball.

With an impressive 11-4 record in June and an incredible 16-5 record in their past 21 games, the Mariners are firmly in the driver's seat to secure a spot in the postseason and potentially win the division title for the first time since 2001. According to FanGraphs' playoff odds calculator, the Mariners have an 86.3% chance of making the playoffs and a 79.1% chance of winning the AL West.

However, the road ahead will not be easy for the Mariners as they embark on a challenging three-city road trip, starting with a game against the first-place Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. The outcome of this series will provide a true test for the Mariners and determine if they can continue their torrid June stretch.

It wasn't always smooth sailing for the Mariners earlier in the season, as they struggled to take advantage of the Rangers' and Astros' slow starts. They were stuck around the .500 mark, allowing their division rivals to stay within striking distance. But the Mariners have shown resilience and determination, slamming the door shut on their opponents with their recent dominant performances.

The Mariners' sweep of the Rangers over the weekend further solidified their position at the top of the AL West. With an 8.5-game lead, they now boast the largest division lead they have held at any point since their memorable 2001 season.

Seattle has been particularly impressive within their division this year, boasting a stellar 17-5 record against AL West teams, the best intra-divisional record in all of baseball. Additionally, they have been formidable on their home turf, with a remarkable 27-12 record at home.

During their recent series against the Rangers, the Mariners' starting pitchers showcased their excellence, allowing only two earned runs, both of which came in the opening inning of the first game. Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert displayed their mastery on the mound, leaving fans with high hopes for what this rotation can accomplish in a short playoff series.

As the Mariners continue their journey towards a potential division win and postseason berth, their dominant performance and growing lead in the AL West has firmly put them on the map and raised expectations for the rest of the season. Only time will tell if they can maintain their momentum and achieve their first division title in two decades.