Vogelbach Slams Astros

The Mariners again had another outstanding outing by Wade LeBlanc giving up one run in five and a third innings. The one run happened in the fourth inning when the Astros had back to back doubles. They were two of the three hits that LeBlanc gave up.  He did walk three batters however struck out five.

The Mariners again was silent most of the game which in some ways expect this second half of the season plus the Astros have outstanding starting pitching.

In the eighth inning Nelson Cruz started off the eighth inning with a single then with one out Kyle Seager had a single as well. Robinson Cano hit a fly ball that center fielder Jake Marisnick did a sliding dive to save the Astros at least one run. He actually had one on Ryon Healy before Seager came to the plate.

Denard Span pinch hitting for Mike Zunino was able to draw a walk that loaded the bases. Manager Scott Servais decided to pinch hit Dan Vogelbach for Guillermo Heredia.  I have to say that Servais pushed the right button this time with Vogelbach hitting a towering grand slam home run to right-center field to give the Mariners a 4-1 lead and the victory. It was Vogelbach's first major league grand slam. 

Behind LeBlanc the Mariners’ bullpen did a fantastic job in three and two-thirds innings not giving up a single hit. Ryan Cook got the victory while Alex Colome had a hold for the eighth inning and Edwin Diaz his 56^th save of the season. He only threw five pitches in the ninth inning. This is the fifth win a row for the Mariners over the Astros in Houston since they swept the last series in four games.

Mike Leake takes the mound for the Mariners against Josh James who is only starting his second game for the Astros. The Mariners always seems to have a tough time against unfamiliar pitchers so we will have to see how things go. I expect it to be another low scoring game.

The final game in the series on Wednesday the Mariners hasn’t yet announced who will go for them.

I would like to see Servais press another good button again Tuesday night. This win for the Mariners now puts the Oakland A’s only four games behind the Astros for the division lead. Not wanting to help out the A’s  however like to see an interesting finish to the season.