Seattle Mariners surging to top of MLB power rankings

24. Houston Astros (17-28) Week 6 ranking: No. 24 The (L)Astros have lost four in a row and began Monday 10 games behind the Mariners for first place in the AL West. 24. Houston Astros (17-28) Week 6 ranking: No. 24 The (L)Astros have lost four in a row and began Monday 10 games behind the Mariners for first place in the AL West. Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Seattle Mariners surging to top of MLB power rankings 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

It's not like the Mariners are completely hopeless playing at Safeco Field, but something about getting away from Seattle's May drizzle makes them look like the '27 Yankees.

Or, if you want a more recent example, their 18-7 road record is reminiscent of the 2001 Mariners.

That team went an obscene 59-22 (.728 winning percentage) on the road en route to a 116-win regular season, the latter of which tied an MLB record. The '01 M's also started 20-5 on the road, marking the best road start in franchise history through 25 games.

The 2016 Mariners aren't far behind that pace after this past week's 5-1 road trip. If they keep up this rate, they'll go 58-23 (.716 winning percentage) on the road by the end of the season.

The latest road triumphs came this past week when the Mariners took two of three from the Orioles at Camden Yards and swept the Reds over the weekend at Great American Ballpark.

They open an eight-game homestand Monday night against the Athletics at Safeco Field, where they're 8-10 this season. After a three-game set against Oakland, the Mariners are off Thursday, then welcome the last-place Twins for three games this weekend before facing the Padres for two more.

"It was a really nice road trip for us, coming off a rough series at home," manager Scott Servais said after Sunday's 5-4 win in Cincinatti. "Bouncing right back, getting right after it on the road was great to see. We're looking forward to coming back home. Getting in front of our own fans again, I know we'll have a good turnout there. Everybody's excited to get home."

At this point, playing better at home might be the last thing keeping the Mariners from the top of our weekly MLB power rankings. But enjoy the gallery above anyway to see just how far they've climbed.

Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle Mariners news. Contact sports reporter Adam Lewis at adam lewis@seattlepi.com or @AdamLewisPI.