Mariners vs. White Sox: Polanco pops, a Quality Kirby, Seattle plates 8 in an inning

Best Moment: Mariners jumpstart series with eight-run first inning

All season, fans have been complaining about the team's offense, and rightfully so. I wrote about just how bad the lineup was in the first half but long story short, Seattle had a hard time scoring runs. In the prior series against the playoff-hopeless Los Angeles Angels, the Mariners were outscored 10-3 in three games.

However, shortly after Seattle was responsible for the first blockbuster trade of this year's deadline, the team followed up by scoring eight runs before the White Sox even got a chance to step up to the plate.

After a Victor Robles groundout, Seattle quickly loaded the bases after a Cal Raleigh double and back-to-back walks by Jorge Polanco and Mitch Haniger. Luke Raley subsequently struck out and with just one left to go, it seemed like it would be yet another wasted opportunity with runners in scoring position. Unfortunately for the South Side, a Jason Vosler single, Mitch Garver double, then three consecutive home runs quickly led to starter Drew Thorpe getting pulled and the Mariners pulling to an 8-0 lead.

Seattle outscored the White Sox 22-6, finally hitting like a postseason-worthy team. On one hand, the White Sox are one of the least competitive teams in the past 20 years. On the other hand, buying at the deadline could genuinely breathe life in to this squad and help give them the push they need over the Houston Astros to seize the lead in the AL West.