Astros Edge Mariners

The Mariners were in a tough matchup with Justin Verlander having one of his great games where he was almost untouchable. Felix Hernandez pitched a good game as well, however, being a little unlucky kept the Mariners from winning the game. 

The Mariners were unable to get to Verlander until the fourth inning when Mitch Haniger hit a solo home run. Haniger like some of his teammates were able to get Verlander to throw a lot of pitches but he was the only one to be able to get a hit. Before the home run, Verlander was pitching a perfect game. Verlander was only able to go six innings because of his pitch count. When he left the game he had struck out 11 Mariner hitters without walking a batter along with one other hit besides the home run off of Haniger's bat. 

Felix pitched a good game as well for the Mariners. Just like Verlander, he went six innings but gave up two home runs. Felix gave up six hits, three runs, walked one and struck out five. I would have to say pitching this way he would win a lot of games. We hope that Felix can continue pitching this way.

In the seventh inning, the Mariners had the chance to score a couple runs having Vogelbach and Tim Beckham on second and third however Omar Narvaez struck out. Ryon Healy hit a ball to deep right-center that looked like Vogelbach and Beckham could have scored but centerfielder Marisnick was able to run down the ball to end the threat. The Mariners were unable to anything going in the eighth or ninth inning.  

Both Brandon Brennan who pitched an inning of outstanding ball and Connor Sadzeck for two innings striking out two batters to give the Mariners a chance. The final score Houston 3 Mariners 1. The home run ball by Haniger continues the streak for 17 games. The Mariners have a record of 13-4 and are two games ahead of the Astros.

Marco Gonzales will pitch Sunday going for his fifth win on the season against Gerrit Cole who is 0-2 despite a 3.32 ERA. We hope the Mariners offense comes back alive against the Astros on Sunday to win a game in the series before facing Cleveland Indians on Monday.