Mariners Game Recap: Astros Win in Battle of the Bullpens

7. 135. Final. 6. 62

After what felt like a lifetime, the Houston Astros (84-75) beat the Seattle Mariners (75-84) in the series finale on Wednesday night at Safeco Field. Tony Sipp (3-4, 2.01 ERA) picked up the win in relief this evening, and Danny Farquhar (1-7, 4.96 ERA) took the loss. Farquhar has now lost 100 games this season, well not quite, but it is close. Luke Gregerson shut the door in the 9th to earn his 31st save.

The Mariners got the party started in the home half of the 2nd inning, plating a pair of runs to take an early 2-0 lead. Houston stormed back with 3 runs in the 5th, but Seattle exploded in the home half of the inning. Sparked by Kyle Seager and Nelson Cruz‘s back-to-back home runs, the M’s scored 4 runs to take a 6-3 lead. Unfortunately, the good times would not last, as Chris Carter clubbed a 3-run blast in the 6th to tie the game at 6. Houston pushed ahead in the 7th to take a 7-6 lead.

Tony Zych made his first start since college tonight for the Mariners, and he fared remarkably well. The 25-year-old right-hander hurled 2.2 shutout frames before giving way to Mayckol Guaipe. Zych fanned 4 and did not issue any free passes.

Guaipe had a bit more trouble, as he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits across 1.2 innings of work. Logan Kensing struggled a swell, coughing up 1 run on 3 hits through 0.1 innings. Things got ugly in the 6th, as J.C. Ramirez surrendered 3 runs without managing to record an out. Joe Beimel retired the next three men he faced, but the damage had already been done. Danny Farquhar allowed 1 run on 3 hits in the 7th inning. However, the 28-year-old righty held the ‘Stros off the board in the 8th. David Rollins came through with a perfect 9th.

Sep 30, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) celebrates on his way back to the dugout after hitting a solo-home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Seager was the star tonight on offense for Seattle. The 27-year-old third baseman went 1 for 3 with a 3-run home run. Jesus Sucre was an unlikely hero for the M’s, as he went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Robinson Cano‘s strong second half continued on Wednesday, as he tallied 4 hits in the losing effort. Ketel Marte had yet another multi-hit night, as he finished 2 for 5 with a run scored. Nelson Cruz clubbed his 44th home run of the season in the 5th inning.

Scott Kazmir made the start for the Astros this evening, and he was roughed up. The veteran southpaw allowed 6 runs on 7 hits across 4.1 innings pitched. Kazmir fanned 3 and walked 2. Josh Fields filled in nicely, pitching 1.1 shutout innings in relief. Tony Sipp also did a nice job, hurling 1.1 scoreless frames. Will Harris and Oliver Perez combined to pitch a perfect 8th inning. Luke Gregerson induced a game-ending double play in the 9th to secure the victory for the visitors.

Chris Carter had the big blow of the night when he crushed a J.C. Ramirez offering over the wall in left-center field for a 3-run home run. Luis Valbuena had a huge game, going 2 for 3 with a home run, a double, a walk and 1 RBI. Colby Rasmus finished 2 for 4, and drove in the game-winning run. George Springer, Evan Gattis and Carlos Gomez had a pair of hits a piece tonight. Jose Altuve contributed an RBI double.

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