The Texas Rangers were one out from locking down meaningful October baseball for the first time in seven years.
They’ll have to wait at least another day.
Monty Montgomery pitched another gem, backed by home runs from Adolis García and Leody Taveras, but the Rangers failed to clinch a playoff berth Thursday night when the bullpen melted down in a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Texas was up 2-1 going into the ninth, but Aroldis Chapman gave up two hits and a walk without tallying an out. Jonathan Hernández came in for the fireballer and nearly put out the fire, but a two-out hit gave Seattle the comeback walk-off victory.
The Rangers (89-70) needed one win to clinch the ninth postseason appearance in franchise history.
The magic number for the division crown remains at two with three games against Seattle to go. The Houston Astros (87-72) trail the Rangers by two games. The Mariners (86-73) remain alive, as well.
Should the Rangers lock down the division, it comes with a bye to the AL Division Series. Texas would avoid the Wild Card round.
The Rangers still control their playoff destiny.
You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.
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