Astros surge past Mariners
Catcher Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros tags out Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at home plate after Haniger tried to score on a two-run RBI-double by Robinson Cano #22 of the Seattle Mariners off of starting pitcher Francis Martes #58 of the Houston Astros during the second inning of a game at Safeco Field on June 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington.
(June 25, 2017 - Source: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images North America)
The Houston Astros (52-25) surge past the Seattle Mariners (39-39) as they win 8-2 in the rubber game at Safeco Field. The Astros have now won six of their last seven games.
Houston’s SP Francis Martes got into trouble early, surrendering three consecutive one-out walks to load the bases in the first inning but managed to get out of it unscathed after 31 pitches.
The Mariners loaded the bases again in the second but this time they took advantage of the opportunity. With one out LF Guillermo Heredia reached on an infield single and 1B Taylor Motter walked. One out later RF Mitch Haniger was hit by a pitch to become the third runner on base. 2B Robinson Cano followed with a double to drive in two runs for Seattle.
Mitch Haniger was called out at home plate but Seattle challenged the call as video replay indicated that he may have been safe. After further review crew chief Angel Hernandez added to the confusion by accidentally signalling that Mitch Haniger was safe but the initial call stood as there was not enough evidence to overturn the call and the Mariners had to settle for two runs.
Francis Martes did not return for the third inning. He gave up 2 hits, 4 walks and 2 earned runs while fanning 3. His ERA and WHIP increased to 5.51 and 1.59, respectively. He was relieved after 63 pitches.
Seattle’s SP Ariel Miranda cruised through the first three innings, averaging 10 pitches per frame, but the Astros finally got to him in the fourth. RF George Springer hit his 22nd home run of the season to lead off the inning. 2B Jose Altuve followed with an infield single and advanced to second base on Ariel Miranda’s throwing error. SS Carlos Correa doubled next and drove Jose Altuve home to tie the game. With two outs 1B Yuli Gurriel hammered the ball 420 ft. into the second deck in left field to give the Astros a 4-2 lead. It was his eighth long ball of the year.
Ariel Miranda went 7.1 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk and 4 earned runs while striking out 2. He now has a 4.11 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP on the season.
The Astros ran away with the game in the ninth. Carlos Correa led the inning off with a single and came home on a 422 ft. home run into the second deck in left field again by C Evan Gattis. It was Gattis’ fifth homer of the year.
With two outs 3B Alex Bregman was hit by a pitch and went on to steal second base. LF Josh Reddick singled next, driving in Alex Bregman to put the Astros up 7-2.
Three consecutive walks to CF Jake Marisnick, George Springer and Jose Altuve followed, resulting in another run Houston.
The Mariners loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame but the Astros didn’t surrender a run and secured their 8-2 win.
George Springer went 1-for-3 with a solo home run. He is batting .277 and has 57 runs, 22 HR and 47 RBI this season.
The Houston Astros return home to host a three-game series against the Oakland A’s (34-42) from Tuesday to Thursday.
The Seattle Mariners continue their homestand with a two-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (24-49) on Tuesday and Wednesday.
