Mariners Game Recap: Astros Blast Past M’s in Houston

May 8, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) scores a run during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) scores a run during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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62. 5. 135. Final. 1

The Astros edged the Mariners on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park to earn a split of the weekend four-game series.

The Houston Astros (12-20) won 5-1 against the Seattle Mariners (18-13) on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park to earn a series split. Collin McHugh (4-3, 5.50 ERA) was credited with the victory for the Astros, and Hisashi Iwakuma (1-4, 4.19 ERA) took the loss for Seattle.

Kuma did a decent job keeping the Astros off the scoreboard, but he struggled to keep runners off base. The veteran right-hander allowed 3 runs on 7 hits across 5 innings en route to picking up the loss. His 8:2 strikeout to walk ratio was very impressive, but he had trouble missing barrels.

Houston kicked off the scoring in the home half of the second inning. Kuma was able to set down the first two men he faced in the frame, but the final out proved to be elusive. Luis Valbuena came through with a two-out double to keep the inning alive. Tyler White then ripped a line drive down the left field line to plate Valbuena and give the Astros an early 1-0 lead.

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The home side added to their lead in the following inning. Jose Altuve reached on a one-out single to center field. The speedster then swiped second to put himself in scoring position. Carlos Correa worked a two-out walk, and Altuve stole third base during the at bat. Colby Rasmus shocked the entire stadium, dropping down a bunt single to score Altuve. Correa trotted home to score on a Marwin Gonzalez single to give Houston a 3-0 lead after three innings.

The Mariners cut into the Astros lead in the top of the fourth. Robinson Cano has been remarkable in 2016, especially against Houston. The slugging second baseman led off the frame by depositing an 87 mph cutter into the right field seats for a solo blast. The round-tripper was Robbie’s 12th of the season, and his 5th against the Astros.

The score remained 3-1 until the bottom of the seventh inning. With Mayckol Guaipe pitching, Altuve led off by singling on a line drive to center field. Altuve wreaked havoc on the base paths once again, stealing second and advancing to third base on a Steve Clevenger throwing error. Altuve then hustled home to score on a George Springer ground ball that Ketel Marte failed to corral at shortstop. Springer took advantage of Clevenger’s noodle arm as well, stealing second base to get into scoring position. Correa then plated Springer on a single to center field. Correa’s RBI single made it a 5-1 ballgame.

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Mike Montgomery and Steve Johnson combined to blank the Astros in the seventh and eighth innings. Johnson was particularly impressive, as he fanned a pair and did not allow any baserunners.

The Mariners put up very little fight in the top of the ninth, as Tony Sipp was able to retire the side in order to seal the victory. Sipp worked two perfect innings today in relief of McHugh.

Next: Robinson Cano Powers Mariners to Extra Innings win

Looking ahead, the Seattle Mariners (18-13) will head home to host the Tampa Bay Rays (14-14) on Monday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Felix Hernandez (2-2, 2.21 ERA) will start for Seattle and get another opportunity to surpass Jamie Moyer as the M’s winningest pitcher. Veteran southpaw Matt Moore (1-3, 4.95 ERA) will be on the bump for the visiting Rays. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.