Still in postseason chase, Mariners begin series with Royals

The Kansas City Royals are all but eliminated from postseason contention, but they can still have a say in other teams' chances to play past Oct. 3.

After losing two of three games to AL wild-card contender Oakland, the Royals begin a three-game series Friday against the Seattle Mariners, who are also chasing the league's final wild-card berth.

The Mariners (78-68) will send Chris Flexen (11-6, 3.73 ERA) to the mound to