TOUGH LOSS
Houston Astros can't hold on as Polanco's late hit lifts Mariners
Apr 7, 2025, 11:56 pm
Mariners defeat the Astros, 4-3. Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images.
Jorge Polanco hit a two-run single in the eighth inning, and the Seattle Mariners stopped a three-game slide by topping the Houston Astros 4-3 on Monday night.
Polanco's winning single hit Houston reliever Bryan Abreu on its way to center field. The Astros had taken a 3-2 lead with two unearned runs in the top half of the inning.
Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert struck out seven while pitching 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Gregory Santos (1-1) got the win, and Andrés Muñoz handled the ninth for his fourth save.
Jose Altuve connected for a one-out solo drive in the sixth inning for Houston's first hit of the game.
No doubter. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/P9ViZkpn7C
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
Seattle had taken a 2-0 lead on Ryan Bliss' first homer of the season, a two-run shot to left-center with two out in the fifth.
Houston loaded the bases with two out in the eighth. Christian Walker's grounder was misplayed by Seattle third baseman Dylan Moore, allowing two runs to score.
Taking the lead! pic.twitter.com/JuW4pbjEPS
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
Hayden Wesneski pitched seven effective innings for Houston. He was charged with two runs and three hits.
Tayler Scott (0-1) got the loss.
The Mariners shook up their starting lineup after Victor Robles dislocated his shoulder making a ninth-inning catch against the Giants on Sunday. Luke Raley replaced him in right and Julio Rodríguez led off for Seattle.
Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti was hit by a line drive while playing catch in the outfield before the game and broke his right thumb.
Key moment
Houston's Isaac Paredes reached on an error in the fourth. But Gilbert struck out Yordan Alvarez, Walker and Jeremy Pena, all swinging.
Key stat
The teams combined for six hits.
Up next
Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo (1-1, 3.00 ERA) faces Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (1-1. 3.75 ERA) on Tuesday night.
Here's the chain reaction we'll be watching for from Astros bats
Apr 9, 2025, 2:26 pm
Houston Astros (5-6) at Seattle Mariners (4-8)
Wednesday, 4:10 p.m. EDT, T-Mobile Park
The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners meet Wednesday afternoon to wrap up their three-game series, each looking to leave with a much-needed win. The teams have split the first two games, setting up a pivotal rubber match between two AL West foes still trying to find their footing in the early going.
Pitching Matchup:
Houston hands the ball to Hunter Brown (1-1, 3.00 ERA), who’s been sharp through his first two outings with 15 strikeouts and just a 1.00 WHIP. He’ll be opposed by Seattle’s Luis Castillo (0-0, 9.00 ERA), who’s struggled out of the gate, allowing eight runs in as many innings while posting a 2.67 WHIP.
Team Trends:
The Mariners are 4-5 at home but just 4-8 overall, and they’re winless in games where they’ve scored five or more runs (0-2), highlighting inconsistency on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the Astros have won three of five on the road and hold a 5-3 record when they out-hit their opponents.
Both lineups have cooled off over the last 10 games. Seattle is batting .203 during that stretch with a 3-7 record, while Houston hasn’t fared much better, hitting .198 and going 4-6. Both clubs have been outscored by 11 runs in that span.
Players to Watch:
Jorge Polanco has been a bright spot for Seattle, going 10-for-24 with two home runs and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games. Julio Rodríguez continues to be a power threat with three homers and a triple. For Houston, Jose Altuve leads the team with three home runs, and Isaac Paredes has started to string together quality at-bats.
Betting Line:
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mariners -128, Astros +108; over/under is 7 runs.
With both teams hungry to build momentum, Wednesday's matinee could come down to which starter settles in early—and whether either offense can finally break through.
Here's a look at the Astros lineup for today's finale.
The Astros against Luis F. Castillo: Altuve DH, Paredes 5, Alvarez 7, Walker 3, Peña 6, Caratini 2, Rodgers 4, Meyers 8, Smith 9
Brown RHP
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 9, 2025
Jose Altuve will get some rest in the DH spot, with Yordan Alvarez playing left field. Victor Caratini will get the start at catcher after providing the game-winning hit on Tuesday night. Cam Smith is starting again in right field after collecting his first big league RBI in Game 2.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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