Angels Clinch First Playoff Appearance Since 2009 in Win over Mariners

A little less than two months ago, the Los Angeles Angels were six games out in the AL West. Now, with two weeks to go still in the regular season, they have a 10.5-game lead and are the first team in the majors to clinch a spot in the postseason. 

Following the team's 8-1 drubbing of the Seattle Mariners on Monday, the MLB's official Twitter feed celebrated the news with a fancy Mike Trout gif: 

As ESPN Stats & Info noted, it ends a four-year drought for the Halos:

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez provided a look at the team's new hats:

The Angels are absolutely sizzling right now. They are 26-7 since Aug. 12 and have now won 11 of their last 12 games. Of course, manager Mike Scioscia, via Gonzalez, still isn't satisfied: 

That's really just a formality, though. With the Oakland Athletics' recent meltdown—11-20 since Aug. 12—the Angels have been able to run away with things out West. With a 10.5-game lead and just 12 games left to play, there's a very good chance they'll be clinching the division at home, where they play their next six games. 

Home-field advantage isn't nearly as secure, as the Baltimore Orioles are currently just four games behind the Angels for the best record in the American League. 

Still, whether or not the Angels finish atop the AL, they are very clearly a legitimate World Series contender. The offense, led by superstars Trout and Albert Pujols, has been rocking since Howie Kendrick moved to the cleanup spot, while the pitching staff, even without Garrett Richards, continues to roll along as one of the best in the majors. 

No one will want to see the Angels come October.