ASTROS VS. MARINERS
Early season tension builds in Astros-Mariners Game 1 clash
Apr 7, 2025, 3:29 pm
The Mariners host the Astros on Monday night. Composite Getty Image.
The Astros head to Seattle for a three-game series after a rollercoaster start to the season, including a series win in Minnesota capped by Yordan Alvarez’s game-tying homer that helped ignite an extra-innings victory in Sunday’s finale. At 4-5, Houston is still looking for consistency, while the Mariners (3-7) aim to halt an early-season skid after being swept in three straight by the Giants.
Pitching matchup
Hayden Wesneski makes his second start for the Astros, looking to bounce back from a shaky debut in which he allowed three runs over five innings. He’ll face off against Logan Gilbert, who’s been sharp despite being 0-1, posting a 3.00 ERA and an impressive 0.67 WHIP with 18 strikeouts through two starts.
The Astros come off Isaac Paredes’ four-hit game on Sunday, a performance that added momentum to their recent play despite the team’s overall 4-5 record. Meanwhile, the Mariners, who finished last season with an overall record of 85-77 and an impressive 49-32 at home, are hoping to carry some of that success into the current season. Last season, Seattle’s lineup boasted a slugging percentage of .376 and an on-base percentage of .311, attributes that could prove crucial against Houston’s pitching.
On the flip side, the Astros had an 88-73 overall record and a 42-38 road record in 2024. Their pitching staff posted a collective 3.74 ERA and averaged 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings, indicating a strong foundation that they will look to build on during this challenging matchup.
Betting Lines & Predictions
The BETMGM Sportsbook line is setting the Mariners as slight favorites at -165, with the Astros at +139. The over/under for the game is 7 runs, suggesting that both teams are expected to put numbers on the board. Bettors and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the pitching duel can stifle the offensive potential on both sides.
Final Thoughts
With both teams in the midst of finding their identity early in the season, Monday’s game could be a turning point. The Astros will lean on the momentum from recent standout performances, while the Mariners will be keen to translate last season’s strong home form into a winning effort. The pitching duel between Wesneski and Gilbert will be a key storyline, and the performance of each team’s bullpen—already under pressure due to injuries—will likely decide the outcome. As fans wait with bated breath, the stage is set for a compelling clash under the bright Seattle lights.
*ChatGPT assisted with this article
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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.