BALTIMORE (AP) — It’s still a little early for scoreboard watching.

And besides, why would the Seattle Mariners mess with what’s working?

“I don’t think anyone’s paying attention to that,” right-hander George Kirby said. “We’re just playing baseball and doing our thing.”

Kirby led Seattle to its eighth straight win Tuesday night, 1-0 over the Baltimore Orioles, and about 90 minutes after he spoke in the clubhouse, the Mariners caught Houston in the AL West. The Astros lost 14-1 to Boston, dropping into a first-place tie with Seattle.

Seattle is starting a road trip that also includes matchups with the Mets and Phillies. The Mariners have three more games against Houston in mid-September, and those will decide who wins the season series.

Kirby allowed three hits in seven innings on an

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