Seattle Mariners win the series, but drop final game of four-game set against Houston

The Mariners had a tough time with Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti today. The Astro's rookie starting pitcher threw six shutout innings against the Mariners. Arrighetti gave up just two hits and three walks while striking out eight. The Mariners had trouble getting runners on base throughout his start. Arrighetti picked up his first quality start of his career in his ninth start. Keeping Mariners hitters off balance and off the scoreboard, as the Mariners fell to Houston 4-0.

Logan Gilbert was superb for the Mariners through his first three innings of work. Allowing just one hit the first time through the Astros lineup. He ran into trouble the second time through the order, as the Astros began to jump on Gilbert early in counts. Alex Bregman hit a two-run HR off Gilbert to break the scoreless tie in the fourth on the second pitch of the at-bat. Victor Caratini added a solo home run in the fifth on the first pitch of the at-bat.

Coming into Thursday's game, Logan Gilbert had been dominant against the Astros in his previous start. He threw eight scoreless innings and held the Astros to just two hits in Houston back on May 4th. Unfortunately, Gilbert was unable to replicate that performance on Thursday, as he surrendered eight hits, four earned runs, walked one, while striking out five. Ending what had been a streak of three consecutive quality starts.

The Mariners were unable to provide run support for their starting pitcher, as Spencer Arrighetti turned in the best start of his young career. Offense is going to be an area where the Mariners need to improve to complement their strong starting pitching, as they get closer to the trade deadline. The M's are currently tied for 28th in runs scored per game, averaging just 3.7 runs per game. The Mariners pitchers on the other hand, have given up just 3.75 runs per game, the fifth-fewest in the league.

Mariners still come away with series win over division rival Houston

Though the Mariners did not get a sweep in this four-game series with the Astros, they did pick up a big series win over their division rivals, including two come-from-behind wins. They currently hold a three-game lead over the Rangers and a 5.5-game lead over the Astros. The Mariners open a three-game series with the Angels on Friday. Bryan Woo will take the ball in game one of the series against the Angels Jose Soriano on Friday night.