Mariners Look To Move Back Into Wild-Card Spot With Win Against Astros

Here we are folks. After scaring fans over the past week, falling as far as two games back of the 2nd AL wild-card spot, the Mariners are in position to move back into the playoff picture with a win tonight.

They need some help. The Detroit Tigers were up 3-2 over the Royals in the bottom of the 9th as of this post. A win by the Mariners would push them a half game ahead of KC. An Oakland loss with an M’s win would tie the A’s with the M’s for both wild-card spots.

(UPDATE): The Tigers beat the Royals 3-2. The Mariners will start the game tied with the Royals for the 2nd Wild-Card spot.

Let the Hunt For Teal October continue.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 83-70. Last 10: 4-6.

Houston Astros: 67-87. Last 10: 4-6.

Game Time: 4:10 PM Pacific. Location: Minute Maid Park. Houston, Texas.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners Chris Young (12-8, 3.33 ERA) v. Houston Astros LHP Dallas Keuchel (11-9, 3.00 ERA)

Edge? Push

Young, the odds-on favorite for Comeback Player of the Year, hasn’t fared as well on the road (4-4, 4.40) as the rest of the Mariners have. However, in his only start this season in Houston, he allowed only two solo homers and a walk through 7 IP in a 5-2 win for the M’s. With a win, Young would set a new personal best in wins for a season.

Keuchel has had a rough go record-wise, but his ERA is solid. Keuchel is 2-1 this season against the Mariners, but both wins were at Safeco. In his start at home against the M’s, Keuchel allowed four runs over 6 IP.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Chris Denorfia 9

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales 3

Kyle Seager 5

Logan Morrison 7

Corey Hart DH

Mike Zunino 2

Chris Taylor 6

Of Note: Dustin Ackley, who had 2 homers in last night’s game, is out tonight. He says his ankle is fine, this is probably just a move to keep him fresh for down the stretch.

Astros:

Robbie Grossman 7

Jose Altuve 4

Chris Carter 3

Dexter Fowler DH

Alex Presley 9

Jake Marisnick 8

Matt Dominguez 5

Carlos Corporan 2

Gregorio Petit 6

Of Note: This is a young team with nothing left on the line for the 2014 season except trying to play spoiler. If these kids get it in their heads that they could make life miserable for Seattle by winning today, they could catch fire. Keep Altuve off the bases and the M’s stand a chance.

Final Thoughts:

The Texas native (Young) did well in his last appearance in Houston. The M’s will lean on him once more for the chance to move back into the heart of the playoff push, with only eight games remaining. If the bats can stay hot, the M’s stand a real shot at making it to October.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 5, Rangers 3.