Tuesday's Night game was closer than the 5-2 score indicated. Like Monday's game it was another close game except the win went to the Astros. The Mariners took the lead first on a home run by Jean Segura in the bottom of the fourth inning on a solo home run however Astros tied it in the top of the fifth inning. The Astros took the lead in the top of the sixth inning on a two-run homer by designated hitter Evan Gattis. The Mariners got close with a hit by Segura and another by Mitch Haniger that brought Segura making it 3-2. At that point it looked like the Mariners had a good opportunity to tie or go ahead in the game however right fielder Josh Reddick hit a home run with a runner on base in the top of the ninth inning making the final score 5-2. The Mariners were unable to get a hit off of current closer Hector Rondon. The Mariners are now back to four games behind the Astros and the A's won again so a game ahead of them once again.
Mike Leake had another good pitching match going throwing six innings giving up eight hits, no walks and striking out four batters. His biggest mistake was the two-run homer to Gattis. Recently acquired left handed specialist Zach Luke came in to face lefthanded hitter Reddick who hit the home run off of him in the ninth inning. Ironically it was the first home run that Luke has giving up this season. I would not judge him by this one outing though. Also newly acquired reliever Sam Tuivaliala came out of the bullpen for the first time with the Mariners relieving lefty James Pazos in the seventh inning with one out. He went one and a two-thirds inning give up two hits and no runs. A good first outing and impression unlike Duke. Chasen Bradford relieved Duke in the ninth inning. The Mariners are expected to activate newly acquired reliever Wednesday so someone from the bullpen will have to waived or optioned to Tacoma.
The Mariners acquired just a few minutes before the trading deadline getting outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Florida Marlins for a minor leaguer and international slot money. Not a lot for the Mariners to give up for a veteran outfielder. He is expected to arrive in Seattle on Wednesday so Guillermo Heredia will likely be the odd man out and be optioned to Tacoma. We will know more before the game. He will probably play the same role of Heredia except that he will be a better hitter. Also before game time we will probably know whether Kyler Seager will return from paternity leave or be another day. Utility player Andrew Romine has been starting in his place while Seager has been out. His defense seems solid though his hitting hasn't been that great. At this point the difference between Romine and Seager is that Seager is a power hitter.
Wade LeBlanc will be starting for the Mariners on Wednesday afternoon. The key for LeBlanc is to continue pitching like he has and see what breaks the offense can make for the Mariners to win the final game of the series. Thursday night the Mariners start a series in Seattle against the Toronto Blue Jays and Felix Hernandez is expected to start which could be his last chance depending on how he does. Go M's.
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