Mariners Game Recap: M’s Rally, but Come Up Short

May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis (11) celebrates with right fielder George Springer (4) after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros (18-7) completed their 4-game sweep over the Seattle Mariners (10-15) on Sunday afternoon, winning 7-6. With today’s win, the Astros have now won 10 consecutive games. Pat Neshek (2-0, 4.35 ERA) was credited with the win after pitching a perfect 8th inning. Carson Smith (0-1, 0.79 ERA) allowed the the go-ahead home run in the 8th, and picked up his first loss as a big leaguer. Luke Gregerson shut the door in the 9th to earn his 6th save of the season.

The Astros jumped all over M’s starter J.A. Happ this afternoon in Houston. Following a Jose Altuve groundout, Marwin Gonzalez singled to left field. Happ walked George Springer to give the Astros’ runners on first and second with only 1 out. Evan Gattis was a thorn in the Mariners’ side all game, and he gave Houston an early 3-0 lead by connecting on a 3-run home run to left field.

Seattle made a dent into the Astros’ 3-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Dustin Ackley led off the frame with a double to left field. Brad Miller has put together a pretty nice season thus far, and he plated Ackley on a triple down the right field line. Miller’s 3-bagger made it a 3-1 game in the 3rd inning.

Unfortunately, Houston pulled away again in the home half of the 3rd inning. With Evan Gattis on first base, Chris Carter flexed his muscles by hitting a big fly to left field. Carter’s 2-run blast gave the Astros a 5-1 lead after 3 innings.

Happ ran into more trouble in the 4th inning this afternoon. Jason Castro hit a leadoff double to right field, and following a Jonathan Villar pop out, Jose Altuve was intentionally walked. Marwin Gonzalez singled home Castro on a sharp ground ball to right field. Houston led 6-1 after the first 4 innings.

The M’s began chipping away at the ‘Stros 5-run cushion in the top of the 6th inning. Seth Smith clubbed a ball deep to center field that was just out of the reach of Jake Marisnick. The ball careened off the wall in center, and Smith slid head first into third base with a triple. However, the relay throw skipped past Marwin Gonzalez at third base, and ended up in the Mariners’ dugout. Smith was awarded home on the error, and Seattle trailed 6-2 in the 6th.

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The Mariners fought back to tie the game in the top of the 7th today. Kyle Seager and Logan Morrison opened the inning with back-to-back singles to spark the M’s rally. Seags scored on a Mike Zunino double to left field. Rickie Weeks pinch hit for Dustin Ackley, and Lloyd McClendon‘s decision proved to be a wise one. Weeks doubled home LoMo and Zunino on a line drive to center field. Weeks came around to score following a Houston error, and the score was even in the 7th inning.

Houston stormed back one final time in the home half of the 8th inning today. Evan Gattis is a powerful man, and he gave the Astros a 7-6 lead after hitting a leadoff home run. Gattis’ homer was a laser beam that just squeaked over the wall in left field.

Seattle was unable to close the gap, and Houston won 7-6. The Astros were the better team all weekend, and deserved to sweep the Mariners. The full box score from today’s finale can be found here.

Next: J.A. Happ Allows 6 ER in 6 IP

Apr 28, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ Allows 6 ER in 6 IP

J.A. Happ has been a steadying force in the M’s rotation over the first month of the season, but he struggled mightily this afternoon against the Astros. The veteran southpaw allowed 6 earned runs today on 7 hits across 6 innings pitched. He struck out 6 and issued 3 free passes. Happ had trouble locating his pitches, as only 56 of 94 pitches found the strike zone. Home runs were Happ’s achilles heel on Sunday, as 5 of the 6 Astro runs were scored via the long ball.

Today’s abysmal outing hurt Happ’s stats, but he is still one of the better Mariners’ hurlers in terms of numbers. The 32-year-old is 2-1 on the season and boasts a 3.51 ERA across 33.1 innings. Happ’s performance has been one of the few positives from the M’s disappointing first month of the season.

J.A. will get the ball next for the Mariners when they play host to the Oakland A’s on Saturday at Safeco Field.

Next: Austin Jackson Leaves Game with Ankle Injury

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Austin Jackson (16) hits during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Jackson Leaves Game with Ankle Injury

Austin Jackson rolled his right ankle in an ugly play at first base this afternoon in the top of the 3rd inning. AJ hit a bouncer to the right side and Roberto Hernandez was covering first base. It was a foot race to the base. Jackson lunged and landed awkwardly on the base. His right foot appeared to land on Hernandez’s foot, and AJ’s ankle rolled right off the base. He was able to stay on his feet, but his discomfort was obvious.

Jackson was forced to leave the game following the injury, and he was limping noticeably as he left the field. Hopefully there is no structural damage to the ankle. I expect AJ to be unavailable for the next couple games, and possibly require a trip to the disabled list. We should know more this evening.

The veteran center fielder has been productive hitting at the top of the Mariners’ lineup in 2015. AJ is currently hitting .242 on the season with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s. Jackson has posted a .300 on base percentage, and has scored 10 runs for Seattle while playing superb defense in center. Justin Ruggiano is likely to fill in for Jackson if he is forced to miss time.

Next: Seth Smith Falls HR Short of Cycle

Apr 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Seth Smith (7) singles and drives in a run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Smith Falls HR Short of Cycle

Seth Smith has been a key contributor on his new club over the first month of the 2015 season. Smith put together a fantastic game on Sunday afternoon, going 3 for 4 against the Astros. The veteran right fielder had a single, double and triple today, and finished just a home run shy of completing the cycle.

Eli Manning’s former backup at Ole Miss is hitting .276 with 1 home run and 6 RBI’s his debut season with the Mariners. His .379 on base percentage is impressive, and he may be the player asked to hit leadoff in wake of Austin Jackson’s ankle injury. Smith has bounced back and forth between designated hitter and right field this season, and he has shined in both spots.

Next: Looking Ahead