Safeco Field the last two nights has hosted the "most important series the Mariners have played all year," but a "raucous, relentless crowd was in overwhelming support of the Blue Jays," according to Matt Calkins of the SEATTLE TIMES. The Mariners have "nobody to blame but themselves" as the club attempts a "last-ditch effort to sneak into the postseason." For the second straight game last night, "at least 60 percent of the 34,000 fans were rooting" for the Blue Jays and there were "chants of 'Let’s go Blue Jays!' blared throughout the evening." Blue Jays fans in British Columbia "mark these dates on their calendars every year." Mariners P Tom Wilhelmsen said, "I doubt any other park has something like this." Calkins writes that if the series were "taking place in mid-June, or after the Mariners’ playoff fate had been decided, then this invasion wouldn’t be so concerning," but the club began this series two games behind the Blue Jays for the final wild-card spot. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz said, "You don’t expect that. When you’re home, you expect the crowd to root for you. But I guess that’s the way it is." Calkins writes the issue "goes well beyond this season," as the Mariners have not reached the playoffs in 14 years and are "on the brink of extending that MLB-leading drought to 15" (SEATTLE TIMES, 9/21). ESPN SEATTLE's Eric Mandel noted the Blue Jays are Canada’s only MLB team and Safeco Field is a "popular destination for fans in Vancouver." The Mariners have "struggled to attract fans" in '16 despite a "new ownership group and rise to playoff contention." The team ranks 19th in MLB attendance this season, averaging "just under 28,000 fans per game" (SPORTS.MYNORTHWEST.com, 9/20).
