It's now or never for the Cleveland Guardians, who host the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series beginning Friday.

Seattle has taken control of the final American League wild-card position, owning a three-game lead over the Kansas City Royals, a 4 1/2-game advantage over the Texas Rangers and a five-game lead over Cleveland.

Guardians left-hander Logan Allen (7-10, 4.35 ERA) faces Mariners right-hander George Kirby (8-6, 4.05 ERA) in the opener Friday, as Cleveland hopes to build on the momentum it gained with back-to-back victories over the Tampa Bay Rays.

"It's going to propel us forward and inject a lot of energy and confidence into this clubhouse," Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi said. "Winning a series and a game against a really good bullpen like that, coming from behind means

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