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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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.