Frustrating Mariners treading water in latest MLB power rankings

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (28-37) Week 9 ranking: No. 26 Watching Ace Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.84 ERA) is the only compelling part of being a Diamondbacks fan right now. 26. Arizona Diamondbacks (28-37) Week 9 ranking: No. 26 Watching Ace Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.84 ERA) is the only compelling part of being a Diamondbacks fan right now. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Frustrating Mariners treading water in latest MLB power rankings 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Better times are ahead for the Mariners.

That was the message imparted by manager Scott Servais before Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Rangers at Safeco Field.

"I think we're on the brink of putting together a really good streak here," he said. "Streaks are driven by starting pitching, and you talk about winning eight out of 10 or nine out of 11, I really feel we're about to go off on one of those runs.

"We've got our full squad back, position-player wise, we're pretty healthy there," he added. "But our starting pitching is starting to get back on track, (and) that excites me as much as anything."

The Mariners didn't do Servais any favors by responding by getting worked by Rangers ace Cole Hamels, then squandering a ninth-inning rally when Robinson Cano got tripped up on his shin guard. Starter Wade Miley (6-3) wasn't especially sharp, either. He went just five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks.

It marked a frustrating end to another losing homestand. And it dropped the Mariners (34-29) to five games behind the Rangers (39-24) in the American League West. The Mariners have lost 11 of 17 since going a season-high 10 games above .500.

To see how far they fell in the week 10 MLB power rankings, click through the gallery.

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