Astros Win Series Over Mariners

The Mariners had to do Wednesday afternoon was get good pitching out of Wade LeBlanc who has pitched well all season however it wasn't meant to be. The Astros took the early lead scoring three run in the second inning that included a solo home run off the bat of second baseman Marwin Gonzales. The Mariners returned the favor scoring two runs inthe bottom of the second. Newcomer Cameron Maybin who was starting in center field hit a single followed by another by Mike Zunino. After Guillermo Heredia Andrew Rominedrove in Maybin with a single followed by Zach Vincej  who drove in Zunino with a single. Vincej who came up in place of  Kyle Seager who went on paternity leave. Seager is expected back shortly possibly on Thursday against the Blue Jays. Romine was scheduled to start at third base but Ryon Healy was scratched and replaced by Vincej. Romine went over to firstbase while Vincej went in at third base. Gonzales had his second homer in the fourth inning making it 4-2. The Mariners still had the chance of coming back at that point but in the fifth inning Wade LeBlanc gave up a two-run  homer so he left giving up seven runs. Nick Vincent who came in for LeBlanc also gave up a home run in the fifth inning to make it 8-2. After Cruz home run in the sixth inning Mitch Haniger and Maybin both hit singles. So the Mariners had a rally going with one out and Mike Zunino at the plate. Maybin for some reason tried to steal second with Haniger at third however he was caught. On the next pitch Zunino struck out ending the sixth inning without the Mariners scoring another run. I am sure Maybin will not try that again in the future. It is likely  the Astros would have still won the game but we will never know. So the final score was 8-3.

Thursday night the Mariners will start a home series against the Toronto Blue Jays and Felix Hernandez will be taking the mound. After his last outing I am sure he will be on a short leash. Now that the A's won and are tied with the Mariners it will be important that the Mariners take three out of the four games against the Jays. The Blue Jays are struggling this season so the chances are good on that though there will be a lot of Jay fans in the stands coming down from Canada. We hope the Mariner fans will be able to do their duty during the games. It should be nice and loud. Past years has always felt like a road series for the Mariners. The Mariners need to have a good August to stay in the race as well. Go M's.