KEYS TO SUCCESS
Crucial elements at work as Astros aim to even Mariners series
Apr 8, 2025, 1:17 pm
Jose Altuve is Houston's best offensive player this season. Composite Getty Image.
Houston Astros (4-6) vs. Seattle Mariners (4-7)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Probable Pitchers:
- Astros: Framber Valdez (1-1, 3.75 ERA)
- Mariners: Luis Castillo (1-1, 3.00 ERA)
Game Preview:
The Houston Astros aim to even the series against the Seattle Mariners after a narrow 4-3 loss in the opener. Framber Valdez takes the mound for Houston, looking to rebound from a challenging outing where he allowed five earned runs over five innings against the Giants. Valdez has pitched at least five innings in both starts this season.
Seattle counters with right-hander Luis Castillo, who has been consistent, posting a 3.00 ERA over 12 innings. In his last start, Castillo pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs against the Tigers.
Players to Watch:
- Jose Altuve (Astros): The veteran left fielder/second baseman leads Houston with three home runs and a .357 batting average.
- Julio Rodríguez (Mariners): Seattle's center fielder has matched Altuve with three home runs and five RBIs, though he's batting .195.
Injury Updates:
- Mariners: Outfielder Victor Robles is on IL with a dislocated shoulder.
- Astros: Pitcher Spencer Arrighetti suffered a broken right thumb after being hit by a line drive during pre-game warmups on Monday and is expected to miss significant time.
Betting Odds:
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -115, Mariners -104; over/under is 7 runs
*ChatGPT assisted with this article.
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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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