TOTAL MELTDOWN
Astros let late lead slip as Mariners stun Houston with wild rally
Apr 9, 2025, 8:07 pm
TOTAL MELTDOWN
Randy Arozarena hit a grand slam in the eighth and drew the game-winning walk in the ninth as the Seattle Mariners rallied for seven runs over the final two innings to beat the Houston Astros 7-6 on Wednesday.
Arozarena's slam trimmed Seattle's deficit to one before the Astros made it 6-4 when Jeremy Peña scored on a wild pitch by Casey Lawrence (1-0) in the top of the ninth.
Julio Rodríguez delivered a two-run double in the bottom half to tie it, and a walk to Mitch Garver loaded the bases. Houston got a forceout at home before Bryan Abreu (0-1) walked Arozarena on a full count.
The Astros seemingly had the game in hand after Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball over six shutout innings. They took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of eighth against a Mariners team that went 1 for 19 with runners in scoring position during a 2-1 loss in 12 innings Tuesday night.
Lawrence, called up from the minors Wednesday to provide relief for an overtaxed bullpen, pitched the final three innings, giving up two runs and four hits. Luis F. Castillo started for Seattle and threw 100 pitches in four innings, allowing four runs — three earned — in his second major league start.
The Mariners were without infielder Ryan Bliss, put on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps tear. Seattle also called up infielder Leo Rivas, and pitcher Jesse Hahn was designated for assignment.
A replay review determined Seattle’s Donovan Solano got back to third base just in time to avoid a tag by Isaac Paredes on a fielder’s choice grounder in the ninth. Rodriguez followed with his bases-loaded double to tie it.
Arozarena went 2 for 3 with a double, two walks and five RBIs in the cleanup spot to raise his batting average to .191.
Houston had not announced a starting pitcher to face RHP Jack Kochanowicz (1-0, 3.27 ERA) and the Angels at home Friday night.
Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (0-2, 5.73) pitches against Texas RHP Jacob deGrom (0-0, 3.38) on Friday night.
Rumors have been swirling in recent days about the possible reunion between the Astros and Carlos Correa. Correa made the trade sound like an unlikely possibility on Wednesday, but now, it appears it's happening.
According multiple sources, including MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, the Astros are trading for Correa.
Source: The Astros are have agreed to a deal to reacquire Carlos Correa in a trade with the Twins.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 31, 2025
With third baseman Isaac Paredes likely unavailable until next season, this move makes a lot of sense for a team trying to win a World Series this season.
Correa has already agreed to play third base, with Jeremy Pena remaining at shortstop. Carlos is guaranteed $96 million through the next three seasons.
Correa is slashing .267/.319/.386 this season, not exactly the numbers we expect from Correa. But he was terrific in 2024, so hopefully a change of scenery sparks more production.
However, a deeper look at the numbers shows Correa has been much better as of late. He's slashing .308/.373/.421 with 2 homers and 9 RBIs over his last 30 games.
What did the Astros give up?
Details of the trade are finally being released. The Twins are paying $33 million of Correa's remaining $103.42 million contract.
The Minnesota Twins are paying a whopping $33 million of Carlos Correa's remaining $103.42 contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2025
The Twins will receive LHP prospect Matt Mikulski, per Bob Nightengale.